State Vigilante Services and Crime Reduction in Anambra State Nigeria (2014-2022)

Crime poses a serious threat to human security and development in Nigeria, including Anambra State. To combat this, the Anambra State government established the Anambra State Vigilante Services (AVS) to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies. This study examined the role of AVS in crime reduction in Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, focusing on its collaboration with other security agencies in curbing armed robbery and kidnapping. Guided by one research question and hypothesis, the study was anchored on the Broken Windows Theory by Wilson and Kelling (1982). A descriptive research design was adopted. The entire population of 340 was studied using judgmental sampling. Data were collected using a structured Likert-type questionnaire, validated by experts and found reliable with a Cronbach alpha of 0.80. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation were used for analysis. Findings revealed that collaboration between AVS and other agencies significantly reduced armed robbery and kidnapping. The study concludes that AVS, through community-based intelligence and partnerships, plays a vital role in crime reduction. It recommends that the government and security agencies should sustain and strengthen collaboration with AVS to enhance safety and development across communities in Anambra State.