Mapping Environmental Design Strategies for Preventing Crime and Terrorism for Crowded Urban Places in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the potential of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in enhancing the security of crowded places in Nigeria, where terrorist threats have posed significant challenges. While traditional security measures have focused on law enforcement and surveillance, CPTED presents a non-kinetic, design-based approach that modifies physical spaces to deter crime and improve public safety. This research addresses the gap in empirical studies, specifically examining the applicability of CPTED to counter-terrorism in Nigerian contexts. Using a qualitative research design, the study employs secondary data analysis from academic literature, government reports, and case studies combined with thematic analysis to assess CPTED's effectiveness. Findings indicate that CPTED principles such as natural surveillance, access control, and territoriality can be adapted to address the security needs of crowded Nigerian spaces, but local cultural and socio-economic factors must be considered for successful implementation. Practical implications include integrating CPTED with security strategies to create more resilient urban environments. The study recommends incorporating CPTED in Nigeria's national counter-terrorism policies and further research to explore context-specific adaptations of CPTED in various urban settings. This research contributes to the development of comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies, enhancing safety in vulnerable, high-traffic areas.