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Gully erosion-induced problems have been challenging the people and government of Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria for a long time. In spite of the numerous geoscientific and engineering studies so far conducted in the area, the underlying causes of these problems still remain poorly understood. In an attempt to contribute to the understanding of the underlying processes responsible for the persistent gully erosion problems in Anambra State, an integrated study utilizing hydrological, geomorphological, and geophysical data was undertaken. Results of the analyses show that bulk density, pH, and organic matter content of the soil range from 1610 to 1740 kg m 23 , 5.10 to 5.30, and 0.32% to 0.46%, respectively. Particle size analyses results show that the soils are dominated by coarse sand materials (50%-68%). Variations in the Atterberg limit parameters (liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index) also point to the dominance of coarse materials in the shallow subsurface. Vertical electrical sounding results capture the shallow surface as being dominated by resistive sandy materials that are underlain by lowly resistive clayey materials. Thus, the area is dominated by porous, friable, and poorly cemented coarse materials that are located on a long and steeply sloping terrain of the tectonically elevated Awka-Orlu cuesta. Both overland and subsurface flow processes are responsible for the gully erosion problems confronting the area. Human activities (e.g., deforestation, uncontrolled urbanization, and absence of requisite legislation to protect the environment) and the high elevation of the Awka-Orlu cuesta have aggravated the severity of the problems. An aggressive reforestation program particularly with native trees, promulgation of necessary legislation to protect the environment, and setting up and empowering an enforcement agency should be vigorously pursued. Also, necessary enlightenment campaigns on best agricultural practices that can reduce surface runoff in soil and water conservation may also be helpful in changing the mindset of people.

This paper first examines crime situation in Benin metropolis using questionnaire to elicit information from the public and the police. Result shows that crime is on the rise and that the police are handicapped in managing it because of the obsolete methods and resources at their disposal. It also reveals that members of the public have no confidence in the police force as 80% do not report cases for fear of exposure to the informant to the criminal. In the light of these situations, the second part of the paper looks at the possibility of utilizing GIS for effective management of crime in Nigeria. This option was explored by showing the procedural method of creating 1) digital landuse map showing the crime locations, 2) crime geo-spatial database, and 3) spatial analysis such as query and buffering using ILWIS and ArcGIS software and GPS. The result of buffering analysis shows crime hotspots, areas deficient in security outfit, areas of overlap and areas requiring constant police patrol. The study proves that GIS can give a better synoptic perspective to crime study, analysis, mapping, proactive decision making and prevention of crime. It however suggests that migrating from traditional method of crime management to GIS demands capacity building in the area of personnel, laboratory and facilities backed up with policy statement.

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