The Fragile State Of Policing

As the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) recounts its achievements for 2024, boasting of arresting over 30,000 suspects, recovering nearly 2,000 firearms, and rescuing over 1,500 kidnapped victims, one might be tempted to applaud these milestones. Yet, the broader context tells a far bleaker story about the state of policing in Nigeria.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly highlighting significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement.

He specifically noted the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public.

However, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), between May 2023 and April 2024, Nigerian households endured an estimated 51.9 million criminal incidents. This staggering figure reveals a security apparatus struggling to meet its mandate, particularly in rural areas, where 26.5 million incidents occurred, compared to 25.4 million in urban centres.

The North-West recorded the highest number of crime incidents at the household level, with 14.4 million cases, followed by the North-Central region with 8.8 million. The South-East reported the lowest number of incidents, at 6.2 million.

The report indicated that 4.1 million households were victims of burglaries, while murder incidents accounted for 614,937 cases. Kidnapping has emerged as a prevalent crime, with 65% of affected households paying some form of ransom.

The total ransom paid within the period was estimated at N2.23 trillion, with households paying an average of N2.67 million per incident. Other reported crimes included phone theft, livestock theft, crop theft, and sexual harassment, which had approximately 1.4 million victims.

Despite the prevalence of crime, the report highlighted a widespread reluctance to report incidents to the police. Among households that experienced robberies, only 36.3% reported the crime. Victims of sexual crimes were even less likely to engage law enforcement, with just 22.7% reporting incidents.

Amnesty International reports that it receives almost daily accounts of human rights violations by the police across Nigeria, including unlawful detention, extortion, torture, sexual violence, and in some cases, extrajudicial execution.

In October 2024, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu criticised policemen and soldiers who steal arms and ammunition from their formations and sell them to criminal elements. During the destruction of arms by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ribadu described security agents involved in such acts as “worse human beings,” emphasising the need for increased oversight.

The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to national security, exacerbating issues such as insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes. Video clips of policemen extorting money and committing human rights violations are now commonplace on social media.

The National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC) recently expressed concern over the rising number of human rights violation cases at the inauguration of its human rights dashboard and observatory, citing the police as an example of state actors involved in such violations.

According to Statista, Nigeria ranks as the second most dangerous country in Africa in 2024, with a crime index score of 66.7. It is the eighth most terrorism-affected country globally and the 19th least peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. South Africa ranks as the most dangerous country in Africa, with a score of 74.8.

It is instructive to note that section 4 of the Police Act defines the role of the police as follows: “The police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations.”

While the exact size of the Nigeria Police Force has fluctuated—from 213,709 officers in 2020 to 250,461 in 2021, and 250,227 in 2022—it currently stands at approximately 370,000 officers as of December 2024. The force plans to increase its size to 650,000 by adding 280,000 new recruits.

Unfortunately, the working and living conditions of the force remain deplorable, with police barracks nationwide in inhuman condition.

Although most state governors are providing equipment and vehicles to police in their states, more comprehensive support is needed to ensure officers are well-cared-for and properly equipped to carry out their duties effectively.

In our view,the NPF must prioritise innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025 and adapt to international best practices in fighting crime. Modern policing relies on innovation, data-driven strategies, and adherence to international best practices—elements sorely lacking in the NPF’s current framework.

The federal government must also prioritise police reforms. A well-trained, adequately equipped, and ethically grounded police force is not just a matter of national pride; it is a prerequisite for societal stability and economic growth. Anything less would be a disservice to the Nigerian people and a betrayal of the promise of safety and justice for all.