A Deterministic Model Analysis for Youth Involvement in Yahoo-Yahoo (Cybercrime) and Yahoo+ (Ritualism)

Abstract

The rising involvement of young people in yahoo-yahoo (cybercrime) and yahoo+ (ritualism) has become a major societal concern, particularly in Nigeria, where economic instability and peer pressure drive vulnerable individuals into these illicit activities. This study develops a deterministic compartmental model to analyze the transition of youths through different stages: vulnerability, engagement in yahoo-yahoo, progression into yahoo+ (ritualism), and recovery through rehabilitation. The model accounts for key factors such as recruitment rates, peer influence, the probability of transitioning to ritualistic practices, rehabilitation effectiveness, and relapse risks. A stability analysis of the equilibrium points, which are the yahoo-free and endemic, provides insight into long-term trends based on the basic reproduction number, R0R0​, determining whether yahoo-yahoo (cybercrime) and yahoo+ (ritualism) persist or decline. Numerical simulations reveal potential strategies to reduce youth participation in these activities. Based on the model’s findings, the study offers policy recommendations to support sustainable youth development and mitigate this growing societal threat.