Bounty Approach and Crime Prevention in Nigeria

A bounty approach provides rewards or bounties to people who assist in capturing or hindering crime. Such a system guarantees incentives for reporting or preventing crimes, encouraging citizens to become proactive and vigilant in their communities. Whether through financial or non-financial rewards, the bounty approach aims at mobilising community participation in crime management. Over the years, bounties have been used to curb criminal activities, and the approach has played an essential role in crime prevention internationally.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an upsurge in crime statistics. From armed robbery to kidnappings and cybercrime, all of which pose a significant challenge to the government, citizens and relevant stakeholders.  This increasing trend calls for proactive measures to combat crime and enhance the security of Nigerian citizens.

Bounties against crime have been employed in Nigeria. For instance, the Nigerian Police Force rewards individuals who provide valuable information, eventually leading to the arrest of criminals. Also, owing to the kidnappings and insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory placed a ₦20 million bounty on two criminals on the run. Furthermore, platforms like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund run on a multilateral framework, where different government agencies, business entities and community organisations work together to tackle insecurity. The board of trustees monitors the fund, and monies are released based on actionable intelligence provided and the successful arrest and prosecution of criminals.

However, there is a divided opinion on how effective bounty approaches are rated compared to other crime prevention strategies. Supporters theorise that handing out incentives serves to motivate active community engagement, potentially leading to valuable information and increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Conversely, cynics hold that inducement to report crimes may be misleading or manipulated for personal gain. While positive and negative results are associated with bounty systems, evidence shows that where bounty systems are well-regulated, they play a crucial part in curbing crime.

Some success stories attest to the success of a bounty approach in Nigeria.  There has been the arrest of notorious kingpins, one of such people being “Evans the kidnapper“, who was apprehended based on information provided by members of the public who were motivated by the promise of rewards. Internationally, in the United States of America, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” programme has helped arrest numerous criminals, including murder suspects. Citizens’ participation, driven by the potential rewards offered, has been instrumental in locating and apprehending these fugitives.  These cases prove that robust performance bounty approach can yield some positive outcomes.

Addressing particular challenges is essential to enhance the effectiveness of the bounty approach in Nigeria. Firstly, there is a need to establish robust public information channels to educate citizens about the importance of providing precise and trustworthy information to law enforcement agencies that could lead to arrests or thwart criminal activities. Secondly, increasing awareness of existing rewards programs and initiatives is essential. Many residents may not be aware of bounty programmes. Implementing comprehensive outreach strategies through various media channels, community events, and educational campaigns can help disseminate information about these programs and encourage public participation.

Additionally, establishing mechanisms for oversight and accountability is crucial in addressing concerns raised by bounty approach sceptics. These mechanisms help ensure fairness and prevent the abuse of the approach by monitoring its implementation and taking corrective actions when necessary. Also, cooperation between government bodies, law enforcement and community leaders is needed to guarantee the future success of the reward systems.

Nigeria’s high level of crime requires strategic policies and implementation strategies to be effective and efficient. Bounty programmes, if implemented effectively, can serve the dual purpose of deterring lawlessness and ensuring community security. Notwithstanding this, it is worth noting that such systems’ continuous review and improvement is an essential component of their effectiveness and should be undertaken to avoid any potential drawbacks. Through cooperation, the government, law enforcement agencies, and citizens will be able to lower Nigeria’s crime rates.