Silent Codes: Exploring Cybercrime Syndicates and the Emergence of Digital Gang Cultures among Youths in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Nigeria


Authors : Onota Hendris; Gbenekama Truston; Oloya Cynthia Edafe

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3rpskdnx

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2017

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This study explored the relationship between the structural organization of cybercrime syndicates and youth participation in digital gang activities in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Nigeria, using the Social Learning Theory as a framework. A quantitative research design was adopted, with a sample size of 235 youths selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, and the Chi-Square test and regression were applied for data analysis. The findings reveal a significant relationship between the structural organization of cybercrime syndicates and youth participation in digital gang activities, with well-organized syndicates showing higher levels of youth involvement. The study recommends that law enforcement agencies focus on disrupting the organizational frameworks of cybercrime syndicates and advocate for community-based interventions to offer youths alternatives to digital gang activities. By addressing both the structural and social factors, it is possible to reduce youth involvement in cybercrime in the region.

Keywords : Cybercrime, Digital Gang Activities, Social Learning Theory, Youth Participation, Structural Organization, and Ughelli North LGA, Nigeria.

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This study explored the relationship between the structural organization of cybercrime syndicates and youth participation in digital gang activities in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Nigeria, using the Social Learning Theory as a framework. A quantitative research design was adopted, with a sample size of 235 youths selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, and the Chi-Square test and regression were applied for data analysis. The findings reveal a significant relationship between the structural organization of cybercrime syndicates and youth participation in digital gang activities, with well-organized syndicates showing higher levels of youth involvement. The study recommends that law enforcement agencies focus on disrupting the organizational frameworks of cybercrime syndicates and advocate for community-based interventions to offer youths alternatives to digital gang activities. By addressing both the structural and social factors, it is possible to reduce youth involvement in cybercrime in the region.

Keywords : Cybercrime, Digital Gang Activities, Social Learning Theory, Youth Participation, Structural Organization, and Ughelli North LGA, Nigeria.

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