1.1 Introduction
Theatre is a form of performing art that uses enactment, dialogue, and storytelling to communicate messages, provoke reflection, and influence societal behaviour (Afolayan & Adeyemi, 2021). In the context of social intervention, theatre is employed not merely for entertainment but as a strategic tool for education, advocacy, and the promotion of positive social change. Online scams, often referred to as internet fraud or cybercrime, is the deliberate use of digital platforms to deceive individuals or organizations for financial or personal gain (Bello, 2019).
In Nigeria, online scams have grown into a pervasive problem that affects millions of citizens and undermines economic stability, trust, and social cohesion. The Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit has been established to investigate and prevent such offences, but the rapid evolution of digital fraud techniques poses continuous challenges to traditional enforcement and public awareness efforts (Ogunleye, 2020).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Theatre has a long standing history in Nigeria as a tool for social education, cultural preservation, and political commentary. According to Afolayan and Adeyemi (2021), traditional Nigerian theatre dates back centuries and is rooted in communal storytelling, rituals, and performance arts that convey moral lessons, social norms, and cultural values. It was reported that performances often addressed issues of justice, leadership, and societal ethics, engaging communities in reflective dialogue and collective problem solving. Over time, theatre evolved from purely traditional forms into contemporary performance arts that blend modern narratives, media, and interactive techniques while retaining its social instructional function.
With the advent of digital technology, theatre began to adapt to new social challenges, including public education on health, governance, and social behaviour. Ejiofor (2022) asserted that performance arts have been employed to raise awareness on pressing issues such as HIV/AIDS, electoral malpractice, and conflict resolution, illustrating theatre's capacity to influence community attitudes and promote behavioural change. The flexibility and participatory nature of theatre allow it to respond dynamically to emerging societal problems, making it an ideal medium for intervention in contemporary contexts.
The rise of online scams has become a significant social and economic challenge in Nigeria, affecting individuals, organizations, and the broader national economy. According to Bello (2019), online fraud is a deliberate attempt to deceive individuals or institutions via digital platforms to obtain financial or personal gain. He reported that the prevalence of internet fraud has escalated in recent years due to increased internet penetration, smartphone usage, and the expansion of social media platforms. These developments have made it easier for perpetrators to target unsuspecting victims and complicate efforts by law enforcement agencies to track and prosecute offenders.
The Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit was established to address the growing menace of cybercrime. Ogunleye (2020) affirmed that the unit is tasked with investigating, prosecuting, and preventing cyber offences in order to safeguard citizens and maintain national security. Despite these efforts, cybercriminals continue to exploit technical loopholes and the low level of public awareness, which highlights the need for innovative strategies beyond traditional enforcement.
Theatre, as an educational and social intervention tool, has been recognized for its potential in behavioural change. Afolayan and Adeyemi (2021) contended that theatre is a practical medium for delivering impactful messages to communities, as it combines entertainment with moral and social instruction. They asserted that performance based approaches engage audiences emotionally, making the conveyed lessons more memorable and actionable. In line with this, Ejiofor (2022) stated that theatre based interventions are effective in simulating real life scenarios, encouraging reflection, and promoting ethical decision making.
The use of theatre to address online scams is particularly relevant considering the influence of socio economic factors on the proliferation of cybercrime. Umeh (2020) reported that youths are increasingly involved in internet fraud due to unemployment, peer influence, and the perceived glamour associated with digital criminality. Theatre offers a platform to expose the consequences of such actions, reinforce positive values, and provide alternative narratives that discourage engagement in fraudulent activities. On the other hand, Okoro and Ofoche (2021) affirmed that most cybercrime awareness campaigns are predominantly media driven, lacking the interactive and participatory dimension that theatre is able to provide. This study is set against the backdrop of understanding how theatre can serve as a complementary strategy for the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit, bridging the gap between formal enforcement measures and community engagement.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the steady rise of online scams in Nigeria is creating deep social, economic, and psychological consequences, leaving many citizens vulnerable to digital exploitation. Although the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit is working to curb these offences, the complex and evolving nature of cyber fraud is making traditional enforcement approaches insufficient in effectively reducing digital crime.
Theatre, as a medium of public education and social intervention, is often overlooked in discussions on cybercrime prevention, even though it is rich in persuasive storytelling and community engagement techniques that is capable of reshaping public attitudes toward online safety. On the other hand, the absence of structured performance based sensitization programmes means that theatre is yet to be fully explored as a practical tool for enlightening communities, influencing behavioural change, and strengthening collaborative crime prevention efforts.
There is also a growing communication gap between the Cybercrime Unit and the public, especially in translating technical cybercrime concepts into accessible knowledge that ordinary Nigerians is able to understand. Many existing awareness campaigns rely heavily on media broadcasts, official statements, or occasional workshops, which sometimes fail to emotionally connect with audiences or reflect their lived realities. Theatre is uniquely positioned to bridge this gap through dramatization, role play, and interactive performances that mirror common online fraud scenarios, yet there is limited documentation on how performance based strategies is being integrated into cybercrime prevention frameworks.
On the other hand, the lack of institutional collaboration between theatre practitioners and the Cybercrime Unit further weakens efforts to develop innovative, culturally relevant crime prevention interventions. Furthermore, scholarly attention on the intersection between theatre and cybercrime prevention in Nigeria remains limited. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to explore how theatre is able to serve as an effective tool in addressing online scams in Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of theatre in raising awareness, preventing online scams, and supporting the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit in promoting digital safety. The specific objectives of the study include:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of theatre in educating communities about the risks and consequences of online scams.
- To examine the existing strategies of the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit in combating online scams.
- To develop a framework for integrating performance based interventions into cybercrime prevention strategies.
- To assess the perception of communities on the use of theatre in promoting awareness against online scams.
- To determine the impact of theatre on changing attitudes and behaviour towards participation in internet fraud.
- To provide recommendations for strengthening collaboration between theatre practitioners and the Cybercrime Unit.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- What are the current strategies used by the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit to combat online scams?
- How effective is theatre in educating communities about the risks and consequences of online scams?
- How is performance based intervention able to complement traditional approaches in cybercrime prevention?
- What are the perceptions of communities regarding the use of theatre in promoting awareness against online scams?
- What impact does theatre have on changing attitudes and behaviour towards participation in internet fraud?
- How is collaboration between theatre practitioners and the Cybercrime Unit able to be strengthened for effective crime prevention?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
Based on the stated objectives, the research study formulates the following hypotheses:
Hypothesis One
- H0: The use of theatre has no significant effect on the awareness, attitudes, and behaviour of communities regarding online scams in Nigeria
- H1: The use of theatre has a significant effect on the awareness, attitudes, and behaviour of communities regarding online scams in Nigeria
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will enhance public understanding of online scams, promote ethical behaviour, and support the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit in developing innovative awareness strategies. In addition, this study will provide creative approaches to enhance community outreach and engagement in crime prevention initiatives.
Furthermore, the research will empower audiences with knowledge of online scams, ethical decision making and safer internet practices. The study will also enrich literature on the role of theatre in social change and cybercrime prevention in Nigeria.
Lastly, the study will contribute to academic research on the intersection of performing arts and social intervention while informing policy decisions on youth engagement and cybercrime prevention.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study is focused on the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit and selected communities in Lagos State. The research will consider youths and adults who are active internet users and potential stakeholders in online scam prevention.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Theatre:
Theatre is a form of performing art that uses dramatization, dialogue, and enactment to communicate messages, provoke reflection, and influence behaviour (Afolayan & Adeyemi, 2021).
Online Scams:
Online scams are fraudulent activities conducted via digital platforms, including phishing, romance scams, and financial fraud, aimed at deceiving individuals or organizations for personal gain (Bello, 2019).
Cybercrime:
Cybercrime is criminal activity that involves the use of computers, networks, or the internet to commit offences such as fraud, identity theft, and data breaches (Ogunleye, 2020).
Performance Based Intervention:
This refers to the use of theatre, drama, or role play as a medium to educate, raise awareness, and influence public attitudes toward social issues (Ejiofor, 2022).
Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit:
A specialized unit within the Nigeria Police Force responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and preventing digital crimes in Nigeria (Okoro & Ofoche, 2021).
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