Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing in Nigeria: Models, Policy Options and Strategies

Abstract

The global security environment is characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity with serious consequences for internal security of nation-states. This has compelled many countries including Nigeria, to strengthen their internal security framework to make it more responsive to actual or perceived threats. In Nigeria, the internal security framework is not responsive enough to contemporary security challenges such as Boko Haram insurgency, farmers-herders’ conflicts, cultism, kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling among others. There have been numerous efforts by successive administrations at addressing the security challenges in the country. In 2004, the Nigeria Police Force introduced Community policing in seven pilot states as a strategy for involving the communities in addressing security challenges within their domains. However, this strategy of policing was not adequately contextualised, structured and resourced for effective implementation. This is largely because community policing is primarily limited to the Nigeria Police Force, and does not incorporate all other internal security stakeholders. Although, the National Security Strategy of 2014 further re-enforces the need for community involvement in promoting internal security, this has not been fully implemented. In line with the public concern on the IS challenges in Nigeria and the desire to curb these mounting challenges, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR tasked Participants of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 40/2018 to undertake a study on the theme; ‘Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing in Nigeria: Models, Policy Options and Strategies.’ In the course of the study, Participants of SEC 40/2018 interrogated several papers presented by and scholars as well as analysed many published and unpublished works of notable local and international scholars relating to our theme. We also undertook study tours of 12 States in the Federation, 11 strategic institutions, six African countries and six other countries outside the continent of Africa. The tours afforded Participants the opportunity to learn from the experiences of these countries. In seeking to contribute to the current national discourse on IS and CP in Nigeria therefore, this study explored the following objectives to achieve its aim: a. Examine the nature of the Internal Security framework and community policing in Nigeria. b. Appraise the historical and policy context of the Internal Security framework and community policing in Nigeria. c. Identify the issues of the Internal Security framework and community policing in Nigeria.

d. Evaluate the appropriate models, policy options and strategies for strengthening the internal security framework and community policing in Nigeria. e. Make recommendations and proffer implementation strategies that could strengthen the internal security framework and community policing in Nigeria. The study adopted a combination of cross-sectional, case study and comparative designs. Primary data were sourced from presentations and interactions with authorities on Internal Security and on Community Policing in plenary and various tours within and outside Nigeria. The secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished reports, books, policy documents, official websites of relevant institutions and journal articles. The data were interpreted and analysed descriptively. In view of the multi-dimensional nature of issues under investigation, the study relied on a mixture of the qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Accordingly, the report consists of narrative text with substantial numerical data. The following is a summary of the major findings of IS and CP from the study: 1. The IS framework in Nigeria is characterised by centralised command and control of security agencies in which policy, legal and institutional lapses hamper its effectiveness. 2. Although the NPF is the lead agency of the IS framework, it currently lacks the operational capacity to discharge this role. 3. CP as a philosophy and operational strategy adopted to curb rising crime rate is yet to be fully implemented in Nigeria. 4. The current NPF policy framework on CP is limited to the Force and has no provision for the involvement of other security agencies. 5. Some agencies in the IS framework undertake some form of CP without officially adopting the concept of CP. 6. Traditional CP practices have not been fully integrated into modern concept of CP being currently espoused in the country. 7. The institutional challenges currently affecting the Internal Security framework have colonial origins because of the coercive and repressive uses of the security agencies during colonial era. 8. There are overlapping policies and mandates on IS in Nigeria resulting in duplication of functions. 9. There is weak policy coordination and synergy among security agencies leading to ineffective IS management. 10. The performance of security agencies is weakened by poor monitoring and evaluation mechanism. 11. There is limited engagement of non-state actors in the IS framework of the country. 12. Nigeria’s centralised internal security framework is not compatible with a federal system of government. 13. Low public confidence and trust in most security agencies adversely affect community partnership and problem solving. 14. There is shortage of human resources for the security agencies. 15. Most security agencies within the IS framework are underequipped to discharge their duties effectively. 16. There is no overarching national IS policy for the management of IS in the country. 17. There is no constitutional provision recognising the roles of traditional institutions in security management. 18. The ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the criminal justice administration system poses challenges to the IS framework. 19. Lack of harmonised data/identification of citizens and residents makes it difficult to investigate crimes. 20. There is limited application of appropriate technology in IS operations and community policing, including failure to adapt local technologies. 21. Extant IS and CP policies are not comprehensive to strengthen the IS framework and CP practices. 22. Non-implementation of several white papers on police reforms by government has limited the capacity of the NPF in IS management, amongst others.