AN ASSESSMENT OF GLOBALISATION AS AN INCREASE IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AMONG YOUTH IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed globalisation as an increase to criminal activities among youth in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State. The specific objectives were to examine how young people in Maiduguri learn new methods of criminality through media as a result of globalisation, to identify the forms of crime influenced by globalisation among youth, and to analyse the consequences of globalisation-driven crimes on the social and economic stability of Maiduguri. A quantitative research design was adopted. The study population consisted of residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Area, which has an estimated 2024 population of about 803,000. Out of the 15 wards within the metropolis, 5 were purposively selected based on population distribution. From these wards, a total of 100 respondents were selected using simple random sampling. Findings from the study revealed strong evidence that globalisation, especially through social media and foreign media content has exposed youths in Maiduguri to various forms of criminal activity. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok were identified as major sources through which crime-related content is spread. Respondents also believed that young people not only watch but also imitate criminal acts seen online, such as cyber fraud, online bullying, drug use, and sexual violence. In identifying the forms of crime influenced by globalisation, many respondents pointed to increased cyber-related offences such as hacking, internet fraud, and the spread of fake news. Foreign films and music were viewed as contributors to social deviance, especially in promoting drug abuse and sexual crimes. Based on these findings several key recommendations were made. These include improving online regulation and monitoring of crime-related content, integrating digital literacy and crime awareness into the school curriculum, and introducing youth empowerment schemes to address unemployment. The media and entertainment industries should promote positive role models and values, while community policing should be strengthened to enhance local safety.