Trends and Prevalence of Civil Aviation Crimes: A Study of Nigerian International Airports

JCSH

Journal of Contemporary Social Sciences and Humanities

ISSN 2985-0541 (Print)

ISSN 2985-055X (Online)

Monsurat Isiaka, Department of Criminology and Security Studies, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Ismail Adua Mustapha, Department of Business Law, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Moshood Issah, Department of Sociology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Ismail Ayatullah Nasirudeen
Wasiu Bolaji Sheu

Abstract

This study explores the trends and prevalence of crimes within Nigeria's aviation industry, a sector not immune to the country's broader security or safety challenges. Despite the prevalence of crimes both in-flight and at airports, there is a notable lack of research into these issues. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap. This study design is a survey, with the population consisting of officials and passengers present at selected Nigerian airports. Six international airports, one from each geopolitical zone in Nigeria, were chosen for the study. The Taro Yamani formula was used to determine a sample size of 400, which was then evenly divided into two groups. The responses from these groups showed significant variations. The findings reveal that Nigerian airports are beset by a range of security and crime issues, including corruption among airport officials, theft, destruction of baggage/luggage, extortion, armed robbery, drug trafficking, insider threats, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, among others. The study also identifies several factors contributing to the high rate of aviation crimes at Nigerian airports, such as the dilapidating technologies for proper checking of passengers, poor security check at the airport entrance, lack of organization in the airport, poor monitoring mechanisms, and corruption among officials. The study concludes with a call for efforts to especially curb the systemic corruption among airport officials, as this issue could undermine other physical security measures. This study represents a significant step towards improving the security and safety of Nigeria's aviation industry.

Keywords: Aviation, Prevalence, Security, Aviation Industry, Crimes, Airports

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