Spatial Dynamics of Crime in North Western Nigeria: A Geospatial Analysis of Crime Patterns and Trends

This study examines the spatial dynamics of kidnapping crime patterns in North Western Nigeria using a Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model. The results show that poverty rate, unemployment rate, and population density are positively related to crime rate, while education level is negatively related to crime rate. The GWR model reveals significant spatial variations in the relationships between socioeconomic factors and crime rates across different locations in North Western Nigeria. The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to reduce crime rates in North Western Nigeria, highlighting the need to address socioeconomic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and education.