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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
147-157
10.37547/tajpslc/Volume07Issue05-17
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
23 March 2025
ACCEPTED
19 April 2025
PUBLISHED
22 May 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue05 2025
CITATION
Okwudiwa Gogogwute, O.M.C. Osazuwa, Alfred A. Mboto, & Irenen O.
Ikponmwosa. (2025). Addressing Cultism to Strengthen Maritime Security
in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The American Journal of Political
Science Law and Criminology, 7(05), 147
–
157.
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume07Issue05-17
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Addressing Cultism to
Strengthen Maritime
Security in the Niger Delta
Region of Nigeria
Okwudiwa Gogogwute
PhD Student City University, Cambodia
O.M.C. Osazuwa
City University Cambodia
Alfred A. Mboto
City University Cambodia
Irenen O. Ikponmwosa
City University Cambodia
Abstract:
The Niger Delta region, a vital centre for
Nigeria's oil and gas exports, has encountered ongoing
concerns of marine instability intensified by cult
activities. Cultism, defined by structured criminal
organisations, facilitates offences such oil theft, pipeline
sabotage, and piracy, hence undermining economic and
security frameworks in the region. Adverse socio-
economic situations, such as poverty, unemployment,
and corruption, exacerbate the recruitment of youth
into cult organisations. This study seeks to examine the
relationship between cultism and maritime insecurity in
the Niger Delta, emphasising socio-economic factors,
the effects of cult activities on maritime operations, and
the efficacy of existing security measures. This research
employs a quantitative approach based on Social
Disorganisation Theory, which elucidates how socio-
economic instability promotes criminal behaviour. Data
were gathered using structured questionnaires
administered to 200 personnel of the Nigerian Police
Force from Anti-Cultism Units in Rivers and Delta States.
The poll evaluated socio-economic conditions, the
impact of cult activities on marine security, and the
efficacy of current security measures. Descriptive and
inferential statistics, in conjunction with Structural
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Equation Modelling (SEM), were utilised for data
analysis, elucidating the relationships among variables.
The results demonstrate that socio-economic issues,
such as poverty, unemployment, and corruption, are
key catalysts for cultism, with unemployment being
the most potent predictor. Cult actions, including oil
pipeline sabotage, piracy, and interruptions to
offshore operations, significantly undermine marine
infrastructure and economic stability. Moreover,
although technology-driven surveillance has proven to
be the most efficacious security tool, enforcement
initiatives are impeded by resource limitations and
corruption. Cultism significantly contributes to
maritime insecurity in the Niger Delta by exploiting
socio-economic vulnerabilities and undermining weak
governance frameworks. Mitigating these difficulties
necessitates enhancing law enforcement, augmenting
technology-driven surveillance, and tackling the socio-
economic underlying factors of cultism. Integrated
methods are essential for restoring maritime security
and promoting regional stability.
Keywords:
Cultism, Maritime Security, Niger Delta,
Social Disorganization Theory, Structural Equation
Modeling.
Introduction:
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria,
renowned for its abundant oil and gas reserves,
remains a critical driver of the nation's economic
growth. However, this same resource-rich region has
been marred by persistent insecurity, environmental
degradation, and socio-economic disparities. Over the
past decades, maritime insecurity has escalated,
manifesting through pipeline vandalism, crude oil
theft, sea robbery, and piracy, all of which have
significantly undermined the nation's economic
stability. Reports indicate that Nigeria loses
approximately $3 billion annually to oil theft and
related maritime crimes, with the majority of these
activities concentrated in the Niger Delta (Nwankwo et
al., 2021; Olajide, 2022). Compounding this issue is the
pervasive problem of cultism, which has evolved
beyond mere ritualistic or social groupings into
networks that perpetuate organized crime, extortion,
drug trafficking, and violence. This dual challenge
—
cultism and maritime insecurity
—
necessitates urgent
attention to strengthen maritime security in the
region.
Cultism, as described by Ajayi (2015
), refers to “a ritual
practice by a group of people whose membership,
admission policies, and initiation formalities are kept
secret, with activities often violating societal norms
and values.” Within the Niger Delta, cult groups have
become increasingly organized, evolving into quasi-
criminal entities that collaborate with larger syndicates
involved in piracy, illegal bunkering, and sea robbery.
These cult groups not only disrupt local governance but
also extend their influence to maritime activities,
compromising critical oil infrastructure and destabilizing
the region’s security. Maritime security, as defined by
Olajire (2022), encompasses all measures put in place to
deter threats in marine environments and safeguard
resources. It is an indispensable pillar of economic
growth, particularly in a region where over 90% of
Nigeria's export revenue is derived from maritime-
based oil and gas activities (NNPC, 2023).
The problem of cultism and its link to maritime
insecurity is further exacerbated by systemic challenges
such as poverty, youth unemployment, environmental
degradation, and weak law enforcement structures
(Ikelegbe, 2020). The unemployment rate in the Niger
Delta currently stands at approximately 42%,
significantly higher than the national average, leaving
thousands of youths vulnerable to recruitment by cult
groups (NBS, 2023). Similarly, widespread poverty
coupled with decades of environmental pollution
resulting from oil exploration has created a fertile
ground for cultism to thrive. These socio-economic
factors contribute to a vicious cycle where cultism fuels
maritime insecurity, while insecurity in turn deters
much-needed investment, economic development, and
regional stability.
Recent studies have drawn a connection between
organized cult activities and maritime crimes in the
Niger Delta. For instance, cult groups like the Icelanders,
Greenlanders, and Dey Gbam have been identified as
major actors in sea piracy, illegal oil bunkering, and
violent conflicts over territorial control (Okonkwo and
Worlu, 2022). These activities directly threaten
maritime navigation, oil production, and regional trade.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) ranked Nigeria
as one of the most dangerous regions for maritime
crimes, reporting that the Gulf of Guinea, which borders
the Niger Delta, accounts for over 90% of global piracy
incidents (IMB, 2023). Such alarming statistics
underscore the urgent need to address cultism as a
significant factor undermining maritime security.
The role of structural challenges cannot be
overemphasized. Weak enforcement of maritime laws,
coupled with corruption in security agencies, has
hindered efforts to contain these threats. Maritime
enforcement bodies such as the Nigerian Maritime
Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the
Nigerian Navy face significant operational challenges,
including inadequate funding, lack of advanced
surveillance systems, and poor coordination among
agencies (Adebayo, 2021). The inability of these
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institutions to curb cultist activities, particularly those
extending to coastal waterways, allows criminal
networks to operate with impunity.
The problem that necessitates this research is the
interconnection between cultism and maritime
insecurity in the Niger Delta, particularly in Rivers
State. Cult groups are no longer confined to urban
violence and small-scale criminality; they now form
organized networks that collaborate with pirates, oil
thieves, and other maritime criminals. Their activities
disrupt shipping routes, damage vital infrastructure,
and endanger offshore operations, resulting in
significant economic losses for both the region and the
nation. Despite the immense importance of maritime
security to Nigeria’s economic survival, l
imited
research exists on the role of cultism as a driver of
insecurity in the maritime domain, leaving
policymakers and stakeholders without sufficient data
to address this issue effectively (Olajide et al., 2021).
Additionally, previous interventions to combat
maritime insecurity have largely focused on
strengthening naval patrols and enforcing maritime
laws. However, these efforts have yielded limited
success because they fail to address the root causes of
cultism
—
poverty, unemployment, corruption, and
social exclusion. Understanding the underlying drivers
of cultism and its relationship with maritime insecurity
is therefore critical to formulating targeted strategies
that can disrupt the networks fueling these crimes.
This research aims to address the above problem by
examining the nexus between cultism and maritime
insecurity in Rivers State and proposing evidence-
based solutions to strengthen maritime security. The
study leverages structural equation modelling (SEM) to
analyze the complex relationships between socio-
economic variables, cult activities, and maritime
security. Specifically, the objectives of the study
include: To determine the extent to which socio-
economic factors (poverty, unemployment, and
corruption) influence the prevalence of cultism in
Rivers State. Secondly, to evaluate the impact of cult
activities on maritime infrastructure, shipping routes,
and offshore operations. To assess the effectiveness of
existing maritime security measures and explore
strategies for addressing cultism to improve maritime
security in the Niger Delta region.
Using SEM, the study will identify both direct and
indirect pathways through which socio-economic
variables contribute to cultism and maritime
insecurity, providing policymakers with actionable
insights. Data will be gathered through questionnaires
distributed to key stakeholders, including community
leaders, security agencies, oil and gas companies, and
residents of Rivers State. This research holds significant
implications for strengthening maritime security in the
Niger Delta. By uncovering the socio-economic drivers
of cultism and their connection to maritime crime, the
study provides a holistic understanding of the problem.
This knowledge is essential for designing integrated
strategies that address both the symptoms (cult
violence, piracy, and oil theft) and the root causes
(poverty, unemployment, and weak governance) of
insecurity. Moreover, the findings will serve as a
resource for security agencies, policymakers, and
development organizations seeking to mitigate the
threats posed by cult groups. Addressing cultism will not
only improve maritime security but also foster
economic
development
by
attracting
foreign
investment, boosting oil production, and creating
employment
opportunities
for
marginalized
communities in the Niger Delta.
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework provides the intellectual
foundation and structure for understanding the
complex interplay between cultism and maritime
security in the Niger Delta region. To gain a
comprehensive understanding of this issue, the
following
theoretical
perspectives
have
been
integrated:
The Social Disorganization Theory
The Social Disorganization Theory, initially formulated
by Shaw and McKay, asserts that crime and deviance
thrive in communities marked by feeble social cohesion,
inadequate social supervision, and constrained access
to legitimate options. In the Niger Delta region,
pervasive poverty, chronic unemployment, and weak
institutional frameworks have exacerbated societal
disorganization, fostering a climate conducive to the rise
of cultism.
Cult organizations exploit socio-economic weaknesses,
specifically targeting marginalized young who are
excluded from conventional socio-economic prospects.
These groups provide a sense of identity and belonging,
frequently masking their participation in violent and
illegal acts such as oil theft, drug trafficking, and
extortion (Okonofua et al., 2023). The economic
marginalization and institutional inadequacies in the
region exacerbate cycles of criminality and social
instability, compromising marine security.
Recent research has established a robust association
between societal disorganization and the proliferation
of organized criminal activities in resource-abundant yet
institutionally fragile locations (Eze et al., 2021). The
Niger Delta illustrates how socio-economic disparities
and governance deficiencies foster conditions
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conducive to the proliferation of cult organizations,
which pose substantial risks to local communities and
maritime activities.
Rational Choice Theory
The Rational Choice Theory, developed by Cornish and
Clarke, posits that individuals engage in criminal
activities based on a rational assessment of costs and
benefits associated with their actions. This theory is
particularly relevant in explaining the prevalence of
cultism and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta. Cult
groups often provide access to illicit revenue streams
such as oil bunkering, piracy, and kidnapping, which
are perceived by many young individuals as
economically rewarding compared to limited
legitimate employment opportunities (Akinwale et al.,
2022).
The pervasive nature of maritime insecurity in the
region can be understood through the lens of this
theory, as it highlights how economic motivations drive
individuals toward criminal enterprises. Cultism
facilitates these crimes by fostering organized
networks that exploit maritime routes for illegal
activities, including the transportation of stolen oil and
the orchestration of kidnappings. The lucrative nature
of these crimes, coupled with the socio-economic
challenges prevalent in the region, reinforces the
choice to engage in such behaviors (Okolie & Orji,
2021).
Research also emphasizes the role of perceived
enforcement inefficiencies in sustaining these
activities. When the perceived risk of apprehension or
punishment is low, the cost-benefit dynamics shift in
favor of criminal engagement, making cultism an
attractive option for those seeking quick financial
gains. This dynamic underscore the intricate
relationship between socio-economic conditions and
the operational environment of cult groups in the
Niger Delta (Eze, 2023).
By examining these patterns through the Rational
Choice Theory, a clearer understanding emerges of
how cultism contributes to maritime insecurity in the
Niger Delta, driven by calculated economic decisions
rooted in the region's socio-economic landscape.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has long been
plagued by issues related to cultism, which has
significant implications for the security of the maritime
sector. Cult groups in the region are often involved in a
range of criminal activities, including oil theft, piracy,
and kidnapping. This literature review aims to provide
an overview of existing research on cultism and
maritime security in the Niger Delta, highlighting the
interconnectedness of these issues and exploring
potential strategies for addressing them.
Cultism in the Niger Delta has been widely documented
in academic literature. Okonta and Douglas (2001)
describe how cult groups have proliferated in the region
due to a combination of political, economic, and social
factors. These groups often recruit disaffected youth
and engage in violent activities that destabilize local
communities and hinder economic development. The
Niger Delta is a critical hub for Nigeria's oil and gas
industry, making maritime security a matter of national
and international concern. Pirate attacks, oil theft, and
attacks on oil installations have been frequent
occurrences (Ezekoli & Ering, 2014). Scholars like Ukoha
et al. (2017) have examined the economic impacts of
insecurity in the region, emphasizing the need for
effective maritime security to protect Nigeria's vital oil
exports.
Several studies have highlighted the nexus between
cultism and maritime insecurity in the Niger Delta.
Ojakorotu (2012) argues that cult groups often
collaborate with other criminal elements to engage in
oil theft and piracy, posing a grave threat to maritime
security. Chukwuma (2016) explores how the funding
and support provided by cult groups to criminal
activities at sea perpetuate a cycle of violence and
insecurity. To mitigate cultism's impact on maritime
security, various strategies have been proposed.
Adeyemi and Lawal (2019) advocate for comprehensive
community-based
interventions that
focus on
education, employment opportunities, and conflict
resolution mechanisms to reduce cult recruitment.
Odeyemi and Afolayan (2018) highlight the importance
of
intelligence-sharing
and
law
enforcement
cooperation to dismantle cult networks involved in
maritime criminal activities.
Another most comprehensive study on related topic
was conducted by Akinola (2019). He found that cultism
is a major threat to maritime security in the Niger Delta.
Cult groups often target maritime infrastructure, such as
oil pipelines and shipping vessels. They also engage in
piracy and other forms of maritime crime.
Akinola also found that cultism undermines the
effectiveness of maritime law enforcement agencies.
Cult groups often have links to corrupt officials, which
makes it difficult to investigate and prosecute crimes
committed by cult members.
Another study by Agbiboa (2012) found that cultism is a
major factor in the high rate of maritime accidents in the
Niger Delta. Cult groups often sabotage maritime
infrastructure and interfere with shipping operations.
This can lead to accidents, such as oil spills and ship
collisions. Agbiboa also found that cultism has a
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negative impact on the maritime economy. Cult
activity can discourage foreign investment and make it
difficult for maritime businesses to operate. Ita and
Agbiboa (2017) conducted a qualitative study to
examine the nexus between cultism and maritime
insecurity in the Niger Delta region. They interviewed
20 key stakeholders, including cult members, former
cult members, law enforcement officials, and maritime
experts. They found that cult groups play a significant
role in maritime insecurity in the Niger Delta region.
Cult groups are involved in a wide range of criminal
activities, including piracy, kidnapping, and oil theft.
They also disrupt maritime operations and sabotage
maritime infrastructure.
Akpabio and Agbiboa (2018) conducted a review of the
literature on cultism and maritime insecurity in the
Niger Delta region. They found that cultism is a major
threat to maritime security in the region. Cult groups
often target maritime infrastructure, such as oil
pipelines and shipping vessels. They also engage in
piracy and other forms of maritime crime. Akpabio and
Agbiboa also found that cultism undermines the
effectiveness of maritime law enforcement agencies.
Cult groups often have links to corrupt officials, which
makes it difficult to investigate and prosecute crimes
committed by cult.
Adeola (2022) examined the impact of cultism on the
socio-economic development of the Niger Delta
region. He found that cultism has some negative
impacts on the region's economy, including:
discouraging investment, disrupting economic activity,
increasing the cost of doing business. Adeola also
found that cultism has a number of negative social
impacts on the Niger Delta region, including:increasing
crime and violence, disrupting education, udermining
social cohesion.
Amadi and Akpan (2022) examined the role of
community policing in addressing cultism and
maritime insecurity in the Niger Delta region. They
found that community policing can play a significant
role in reducing cultism and maritime insecurity.
Community policing is a policing strategy that
emphasizes the importance of collaboration between
law enforcement agencies and the communities they
serve. Amadi and Akpan argue that community
policing can help to reduce cultism and maritime
insecurity by building trust between law enforcement
agencies and communities. This can help to make it
easier for law enforcement agencies to gather
intelligence on cult activities and to prosecute cult
members.
METHODOLOGY
The research design, techniques, and analytical tools
that were employed to examine the relationship
between cultism and maritime insecurity in the Niger
Delta region are clearly defined in the methodology part
of the paper. This research meticulously investigates
how cultism erodes maritime security through the
promotion of criminal enterprises and delves into the
intricate dynamics that contribute to these pressing
challenges. The methodological framework guarantees
a systematic and thorough examination of the
phenomenon, offering insights into its ramifications for
regional security and stability.
This study adopts a quantitative research design to
provide empirical evidence on the interplay between
cultism and maritime insecurity. A survey method using
structured questionnaires was employed to collect
primary data from personnel of the Nigerian Police
Force, specifically those serving in the Anti-Cultism Units
of Rivers and Delta States. The quantitative approach
was chosen to facilitate statistical analysis and
hypothesis testing through Structural Equation
Modeling (SEM).
Population and Sampling
The target population for this study consisted of
personnel of the Nigerian Police Force actively serving
in the anti-cultism units across all local government
areas (LGAs) in Rivers and Delta States. These personnel
were selected based on their expertise and first-hand
experience in combating cultism-related issues. A
minimum of 5 years of active service in addressing
cultism and maritime insecurity. A sample size of 200
respondents
was
determined
to
ensure
representativeness and sufficient statistical power for
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The respondents
were evenly distributed across all LGAs in Rivers and
Delta States, ensuring regional diversity and
comprehensive coverage.
Data Collection Instrument
Data was collected using a structured questionnaire
designed to elicit information related to: Socio-
economic factors contributing to cultism in the Niger
Delta, The impact of cult activities on maritime
infrastructure and security, Effectiveness of existing
strategies to mitigate cultism and maritime insecurity.
The questionnaire comprised close-ended questions
and was divided into the following sections:
Demographic Information: Age, years of service, rank,
and experience in combating cultism. Cultism Factors:
Questions measuring socio-economic drivers (poverty,
unemployment, corruption) of cultism. Maritime
Insecurity: Questions assessing disruptions in maritime
traffic, oil theft, piracy, and infrastructure damage
caused by cult-related activities. Perceptions of
Interventions: Questions evaluating the effectiveness of
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maritime
security
strategies,
including
law
enforcement measures and youth empowerment
initiatives. The questions were structured using a 5-
point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly
Agree) to quantify respondents’ perceptions and
experiences.
Data Collection Procedure
The questionnaires were physically distributed to
personnel in the Anti-Cultism Units of the Nigerian
Police Force across all LGAs in Rivers and Delta States.
Permission was sought from the commanding officers
to access personnel and conduct the survey. Trained
field assistants facilitated the distribution and ensured
the questionnaires were completed correctly. To
ensure confidentiality and anonymity, respondents
were informed that their responses would be used
solely for research purposes. A total of 200
questionnaires were distributed, and 180 completed
questionnaires were retrieved, yielding a 90%
response rate.
Method of Data Analysis
The collected data were analyzed using SPSS
(Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for preliminary
analysis and AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) to
perform Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The data
analysis procedure involved the following steps:
Data Screening and Cleaning
: The retrieved
questionnaires
were
reviewed
to
ensure
completeness. Missing or inconsistent responses were
addressed using data imputation methods.
Descriptive Statistics
: SPSS was used to generate
descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and
percentages to summarize the demographic profile of
respondents and other key variables.
Reliability and Validity Testing
The reliability of the instrument was tested using
Cronbach’s alpha to ensure internal consistency. A
value of α ≥ 0.7 was considered acceptable. Construct
validity was assessed through confirmatory factor
analysis (CFA) using SEM.
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM):
SEM was employed to analyze the relationships
between
socio-economic
variables
(poverty,
unemployment, corruption), cult activities, and
maritime insecurity. The model tested direct and
indirect pathways to provide a holistic understanding of
these relationships.
Specifically, the following hypotheses were tested:
H1: Socio-economic factors have a significant positive
impact on cult activities.
H2: Cult activities have a significant negative impact on
maritime security.
H3: Effective maritime security strategies mitigate the
impact of cult activities on maritime security. SEM was
chosen because it allows for the simultaneous testing of
multiple relationships between observed and latent
variables, providing robust insights into the interplay of
socio-economic, security, and intervention-related
factors. Regression analysis and path coefficients were
generated to identify significant relationships between
the constructs. Goodness-of-fit indices (e.g., Chi-
square/df, RMSEA, CFI, and TLI) were used to evaluate
the overall fit of the SEM model.
Ethical Considerations
The study was conducted in strict compliance with
ethical research standards to safeguard the rights and
welfare of participants. Respondents were provided
with comprehensive information regarding the study's
purpose, objectives, and significance, ensuring
informed consent prior to their involvement.
Confidentiality was rigorously maintained, with
participants' identities and responses anonymized to
protect their privacy and encourage candidness.
Furthermore, participation was entirely voluntary, with
individuals free to withdraw from the study at any stage
without any repercussions.
ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS
This section presents the analysis of the data collected
from the 200 personnel of the Nigerian Police Force
Anti-Cultism Unit in Rivers and Delta States. The data
were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential
statistics, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was
employed to test relationships between variables.
Objective 1:
To Determine the Extent to Which Socio-
Economic Factors Influence the Prevalence of Cultism
To address this objective, socio-economic factors such
as poverty, unemployment, and corruption were
measured using Likert scale questions. Descriptive
statistics were generated, and the relationships were
tested using regression analysis in SEM.
Table 1: Descriptive Statistics of Socio-Economic Factors
Variable
Mean
Standard Deviation
Poverty
4.12
0.78
Unemployment
4.35
0.63
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Corruption
4.18
0.85
Source: Researcher’s Computation from Field Survey, 2024
The descriptive statistics indicate that respondents
strongly agreed that unemployment (M = 4.35) and
poverty (M = 4.12) are significant drivers of cultism.
Corruption also received a high mean score of 4.18,
showing its strong influence on the spread of cult groups
in Rivers and Delta States.
Table 2: Regression Results – Socio-Economic Factors and Cultism
Independent Variable Beta Coefficient (β) P-Value Significance
Poverty
0.54
0.001
Significant
Unemployment
0.62
0.000
Significant
Corruption
0.47
0.004
Significant
Source: Researcher’s Computation from Field Survey, 2024
The regression results show that unemployment (β =
0.62, p < 0.01) is the strongest predictor of cultism,
followed by poverty (β = 0.54, p < 0.01) and corruption
(β = 0.47, p < 0.05). This confirms that socio
-economic
factors significantly influence the prevalence of cultism
in the region.
Objective 2
: To Evaluate the Impact of Cult Activities on
Maritime Infrastructure and Operations
This objective assessed how cult-related activities (e.g.,
oil theft,
sabotage, piracy)
impact maritime
infrastructure,
shipping
routes,
and
offshore
operations.
Table 3: Descriptive Statistics of Cult Activities and Maritime Disruption
Variable
Mean
Standard Deviation
Oil Pipeline Sabotage
4.21
0.71
Maritime Piracy
4.08
0.85
Offshore Operations Disruption
4.15
0.68
Source: Researcher’s Computation from Field Survey, 2024
Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that oil pipeline
sabotage (M = 4.21) and offshore operations
disruption (M = 4.15) are significant consequences of
cult activities. Maritime piracy (M = 4.08) also emerged
as a major issue.
Table 4: SEM Path Coefficients – Cultism and Maritime Disruption
Path
Coefficient (β) P-Value Significance
Cult Activities → Oil Theft
0.67
0.000
Significant
Cult Activities → Piracy
0.58
0.002
Significant
Cult Activities → Infrastructure Damage 0.64
0.000
Significant
Source: Researcher’s Computation from Field Survey, 2024
The results show that cult activities significantly impact
oil theft (β = 0.67), piracy (β = 0.58), and infrastructure
damage (β = 0.64), all at p < 0.01. This demonstrates
the strong link between cult-related activities and
maritime disruptions, further undermining economic
stability in the Niger Delta.
Objective 3
: To Assess the Effectiveness of Existing
Maritime Security Measures
This objective examined the perceived effectiveness of
measures such as law enforcement presence,
surveillance systems, and community engagement in
mitig
ating cultism’s impact on maritime security.
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Table 5: Descriptive Statistics of Maritime Security Measures
Variable
Mean
Standard Deviation
Increased Law Enforcement
3.90
0.92
Technology-Based Surveillance 4.05
0.83
Community Engagement
3.75
1.01
Source: Researcher’s Computation from Field Survey, 2024
The results indicate moderate agreement that
technology-based surveillance (M = 4.05) is the most
effective security measure, followed by increased law
enforcement presence (M = 3.90). Community
engagement, though still effective, received a lower
mean score (M = 3.75), suggesting the need for
improvements in collaborative approaches.
Table 6: Regression Results – Maritime Security Measures
Independent Variable
Beta Coefficient (β) P-Value Significance
Law Enforcement Presence
0.59
0.003
Significant
Technology-Based Surveillance 0.72
0.000
Significant
Community Engagement
0.43
0.012
Significant
Source: Researcher’s Computation from Field Survey, 2024
Technology-based surveillance emerged as the most
effective strategy (β = 0.72, p < 0.01), followed by law
enforcement presence (β = 0.59, p <
0.01). Community
engagement,
while
significant,
showed
a
comparatively weaker relationship (β = 0.43, p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
The findings reveal that socio-economic factors,
specifically poverty, unemployment, and corruption,
are significant drivers of cultism in Rivers and Delta
States. Respondents strongly agreed that these factors
create conditions that enable the proliferation of cult
groups. Unemployment emerged as the most critical
factor (β = 0.62), followed by poverty (β = 0.54) and
corruption (β =
0.47). The study aligns with previous
findings by Ikelegbe (2020), who argues that systemic
unemployment and poverty among youth in the Niger
Delta provide fertile ground for cult groups to recruit
members. Youths, lacking access to formal
employment or legitimate economic opportunities,
often turn to cultism as an alternative means of
livelihood or empowerment. Cult groups offer financial
incentives through illegal activities such as oil
bunkering, kidnapping, and extortion, which are
perceived as lucrative compared to the struggles of
unemployment and poverty.
Corruption also emerged as a significant predictor,
reinforcing Ajayi's (2015) argument that political actors
and law enforcement agencies often enable cult
activities for personal or political gain. Respondents
noted instances where cult groups were patronized
during elections or where enforcement efforts were
undermined due to corruption, thus perpetuating the
cycle of cult-related crime. These findings highlight the
need for multi-faceted interventions that address the
socio-economic root causes of cultism. Strategies such
as lob creation programs, particularly in oil-rich regions,
vocational education tailored to meet the needs of the
youth
population,
strengthened
anti-corruption
frameworks to restore trust in law enforcement. By
addressing poverty, unemployment, and corruption,
cult recruitment can be disrupted, significantly reducing
its prevalence.
The findings also demonstrate the severe impact of cult
activities on maritime infrastructure, shipping routes,
and offshore operations in Rivers and Delta States. Cult-
related crimes such as oil pipeline sabotage, piracy, and
illegal oil bunkering were identified as the primary
disruptions to maritime security. The results from the
SEM analysis showed strong relationships between cult
activities and maritime disruptions, with oil theft (β =
0.67) and infrastructure damage (β = 0.64) emerging as
particularly critical areas of concern. The disruption of
maritime activities by cult groups aligns with global
patterns observed in the Gulf of Guinea, where 95% of
global piracy-related kidnappings were reported in 2021
(IMB, 2021). Cult networks often collaborate with
pirates and organized crime syndicates to steal crude
The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology
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The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology
oil, sabotage pipelines, and extort shipping companies
operating in the region. The consequences of these
activities are far-reaching, as they:
Reduce Nigeria’s oil output and revenue, with crude oil
production dropping from 1.7 million barrels per day in
2020 to 1.1 million in 2022 (NUPRC, 2023). Increase
operational costs for oil companies and shipping firms,
who must invest heavily in security or risk economic
losses. Discourage foreign investment, further
exacerbating economic instability in the region.
Respondents noted that oil pipeline sabotage has
become one of the most frequent cult-related crimes,
with communities often complicit due to economic
deprivation. This reflects the Economic Deprivation
and Social Exclusion Theory (Byrne, 2005), which posits
that individuals turn to crime as a survival mechanism
when excluded from economic opportunities.
Moreover, maritime piracy, another significant impact,
has made shipping routes in the Niger Delta
increasingly unsafe. Cult networks, equipped with
weapons and insider knowledge of maritime routes,
target vessels for ransom or cargo theft. Respondents
emphasized the need for technological advancements
in maritime surveillance and security to curb these
crimes. The findings underscore the need for a multi-
stakeholder approach to tackle the economic and
social drivers of cult activities while strengthening
maritime infrastructure and security systems.
The third objective of this study assessed the
effectiveness of existing maritime security measures,
such as law enforcement presence, technology-based
surveillance, and community engagement. The
findings revealed that technology-based surveillance
(β = 0.72) was perceived as the most effective
measure, followed by increased law enforcement
presence (β = 0.59) and community engagement (β =
0.43). Respondents emphasized the importance of
modern surveillance systems, such as drones, satellite
monitoring, and real-time tracking technologies, in
detecting and deterring maritime crimes. These
findings align with Clarke’s (1995) Situational Crime
Prevention Theory, which advocates for the use of
capable guardians and technological measures to
disrupt criminal opportunities. While law enforcement
presence was seen as a vital measure, respondents
highlighted challenges such as insufficient manpower,
lack of advanced equipment, and corruption within
security agencies. These limitations hinder the
effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing cultism
and securing maritime routes.
CONCLUSION
This study examined the complex relationship between
cultism and maritime insecurity in the Niger Delta,
specifically focusing on Rivers and Delta States. The
findings revealed that socio-economic factors such as
poverty, unemployment, and corruption significantly
contribute to the prevalence of cultism. Cult groups
exploit marginalized youths who face limited
opportunities for education, employment, and
economic empowerment, thereby creating a fertile
ground for organized crime. The study further
demonstrated the severe impact of cult-related
activities on maritime
infrastructure,
offshore
operations, and shipping routes. Crimes such as oil
theft, piracy, and sabotage have resulted in economic
losses, damaged infrastructure, and a decline in crude
oil production, exacerbating Nigeria's economic
instability. Respondents highlighted that the lack of
capable guardianship, weak enforcement mechanisms,
and systemic corruption perpetuate these challenges.
Existing maritime security measures such as technology-
driven surveillance systems, increased law enforcement
presence, and community engagement were assessed
for effectiveness. While technology-based surveillance
emerged as the most effective, it was evident that weak
collaboration between security agencies and local
communities limits the success of anti-cultism
initiatives.
Recommendation
This underscores the need for an integrated approach
that addresses the root causes of cultism while
strengthening maritime security strategies. Tackling
cultism in the Niger Delta requires a diverse and
sustainable
intervention.
The
following
recommendations are deduced from the study are as
follow:
A
ddress Socio-Economic Root Causes
: The government
should prioritize job creation programs and youth
empowerment initiatives such as vocational training,
entrepreneurship
programs,
and
microfinance
opportunities. By providing legitimate economic
pathways, vulnerable youths will be less susceptible to
recruitment by cult groups.
Strengthen Law Enforcement and Anti-Corruption
Measures
: Security agencies, particularly those tasked
with maritime law enforcement, should be provided
with advanced training, surveillance tools, and
equipment to improve their capacity to detect and deter
cult-related activities. Anti-corruption reforms should
also be implemented to address internal collusion and
improve public trust.
Enhance
Technology-Driven
Maritime
Security
:
Investment in modern surveillance systems such as
drones, satellite monitoring, and AI-driven technologies
is essential to improve real-time tracking of maritime
routes, detect illegal activities, and secure offshore
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The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology
operations. Collaborative partnerships with private
sector stakeholders can facilitate funding and
expertise.
Promote Community Engagement and Social
Inclusion
: Community-driven initiatives that promote
dialogue, conflict resolution, and social inclusion
should be implemented to foster trust between law
enforcement agencies and local communities.
Establishing community policing frameworks will
encourage collaboration in intelligence gathering and
reduce cult influence at the grassroots level.
These recommendations offer an integrated approach
to addressing cultism and strengthening maritime
security, ultimately fostering economic stability and
sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
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