THE FUTURE OF POLICING IN NIGERIA: FOCUS ON REFORMS, INNOVATION AND DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY

The problem of policing in Nigeria has become one of increasing concern regarding institutional, operational, and legitimacy issues in response to rising levels of insecurity and the requirement for increased police accountability. In this paper, the future of policing in Nigeria is explored through an assessment of the innovations needed to develop a more efficient and accountable policing service within Nigeria. Anchored on democratic policing theory, broken windows theory, and social contract theory, the paper focuses on examining issues relating to the challenges faced by the Nigeria Police Force regarding its operational and institutional aspects, effectiveness of the on-going reforms aimed at transforming and improving the quality of policing in the country, decentralisation of the police through the state and community-based policing models, significance of technological advancement and intelligence-led policing, and ultimately, adapting democratic policing in the local environment of Nigeria. The study utilises desktop research approach and content analysis of previous studies. Findings reveal that NPF is still struggling under the burden of institutional centralisation, logistical insufficiencies, manpower insufficiencies, corruption, poor welfare system, lack of accountability, and conflict between the police force and the community. While the process of police reforms using legislations such as the Police Act 2020 and community policing remains promising, the process of implementation has been quite haphazard and non-localised. In addition, this study has shown that decentralising policing is important although it should go hand-in-hand with strict regulations that discourage any attempt by politicians to manipulate the police force. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that technology and intelligence-led policing remain inadequately developed, making the ability of law enforcement officers to address emerging criminal activities, such as cybercrime, terrorism, and organised crimes, difficult. To conclude, this study proves that the process of remodelling policing in Nigeria should be a holistic one taking into account democratic reform, professionalism, technology, community cooperation, and international experiences. Establishment of state police is highly recommended.