An Assessment of the Influence of Insecurity on Recreational Activities in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of insecurity on recreationists’ participation and recreational activities in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. Specifically, it empirically assessed how insecurity affects recreationists’ participation patterns and analyzed its implications for recreational activities within the metropolis. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 354 respondents using structured questionnaires administered across major recreational centers in Kaduna Metropolis. Multiple regression analysis was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that insecurity has a negative and statistically significant influence on recreationists’ participation patterns, with the regression model explaining 20.3% (R² = 0.203) of the variation in participation. Results further show that insecurity has significant implications for the functionality of recreational activities, with the second model accounting for 27.0% (R² = 0.270) of the variation in recreational activities. Therefore, insecurity undermines the operational efficiency of recreational facilities, reduces visitor turnout, and weakens the viability of leisure and tourism-related activities in the metropolis. Consequently, recreational and hospitality businesses experience declining revenues, increased security-related expenditures, and reduced patronage. Based on these findings and conclusions, the study recommends that the Kaduna State Government designate recreational areas as security priority zones by deploying permanent or scheduled patrol teams to parks, leisure centers, and event venues, especially during peak periods and weekends. Additionally, facility managers should be mandated to implement effective access control and visitor monitoring systems to enhance early detection and response to potential security threats.