Ochendo: An African Journal of Innovative Studies

Managing and reducing crime in a developing nation like Nigeria is a reachable goal, largely because the most visible manifestations of criminal activity occur at the local neighborhood level. Crime tends to flourish wherever poverty and economic hardship persist. In Nigeria, the surge in criminal activity reached a breaking point following the Civil War, as a vast amount of small arms and ammunition became widely available to both former combatants and those left destitute by the conflict. During this period, policing was also undergoing a leadership transition, and new recruits were not being trained to prioritize community partnerships. At the time, the public largely viewed the police as a force designed to suppress dissent or enforce state policies, such as taxation, especially since many high-ranking officers were not locals from the communities they patrolled. When the victim, the accused, and the police are all seen as integral members of the same community, crime is much easier to prevent. Conversely, when there is a disconnect, distrust grows, leading to avoidable loss of life, property damage, and overcrowded prisons—conditions that actually make it easier for dangerous gangs to recruit new members. Community policing offers an approach that allows for the identification, analysis, and management of crime through the active support of local residents. While this study acknowledges the hurdles facing this initiative—such as political interference, human rights abuses, and the heavy-handed use of coercion—it examines the legal provisions for community policing committees and the Special Constabulary. Additionally, it highlights how information sharing serves as a vital strategy for building the confidence necessary to control crime within the community.

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