Strategic Rehabilitation and Societal Reintegration of Vagabonds as a Strategy for Crime Reduction and Economic Improvement in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Vagabondage, street destitution, area boys syndrome, and homelessness has escalated in South-Western Nigeria which is responsible for over 72% of urban street crimes and public nuisance. Lagos State Government's punitive evacuation model, costing over N1.8 billion annually, has failed with 80% recidivism. This study examined the impact of strategic rehabilitation and societal reintegration of vagabonds as a sustainable strategy for crime reduction and economic improvement in South-Western Nigeria to provide an evidence based alternative to evacuation. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design with mixed method approach. Population comprised 4,500 stakeholders including vagabonds, officials of Ministry of Youth and Social Development, social workers, residents and security personnel in Lagos State, Ogun State and Oyo State respectively. Sample of 2700 was determined using Taro Yamane formula and selected via multistage sampling from Oshodi, Ikeja, Abeokuta, Sango-Ota, Iwo, Ibadan. Validated structured questionnaire with Cronbach Alpha 0.89 was used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression and thematic analysis with SPSS v28. Findings revealed that vocational skills rehabilitation significantly reduces crime rate [β= -0.48, p<0.05], consistent with Okonkwo and Adeyemi who found 48% reduction in recidivism through skills acquisition. Psychosocial rehabilitation significantly reduces criminal propensity [β= -0.52, p<0.01], supporting Johnson et al. who reported 35% reduction in drug-related offences through mental health intervention. Employment-based reintegration significantly enhances economic improvement [β=0.61, p<0.001], aligning with Becker and Okafor who argued that human capital investment converts destitute to economic assets. Combined model explained 72% variance in crime reduction and economic improvement. The study developed the Rehabilitation-Reintegration-Crime-Economy - RRCE Model, first integrative framework linking vagabond rehabilitation to crime and economic outcomes in Nigeria. Recommends institutionalization of rehabilitation-based policing.