Community policing has achieved global reputation as the solution to crime problem, however this kind of policing strategy may not work in Nigeria
Being a Press Release
By
Aminu Musa Audu
1st September, 2015
The current renewed effort of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police towards the identification of community policing as the true strategy of policing crime in Nigeria is a welcome development. This effort is particularly important in view of the seemingly genuine intention of President Muhammad Buhari at addressing security, corruption and other socio-political and economic problems confronting the nation at the moment.
My view in this situation is that though community policing policy just like in other developed countries in the world is the fundamental solution to the problem of security and corruption, the implementation of this policy may not be successful in Nigeria. This is because there is a wide communication gap between the police and community and this gap is has been occasioned by historical suspicion and mistrust among the stakeholders, and which has tended to compromise the implementation of community policing project in the country. The basic understanding of its philosophy as well as the enabling relationship culture among stakeholders for its best practice are dangerously lacking in Nigeria. Having sufficient knowledge of the nature, dynamics, philosophy, risk factors, then adequate political will and the corresponding mobilization of both human and other required resources for its successful implementation were necessary.
The development of Nigeria in all sectors of the economy is surrounded by the imperativeness of getting the right kind of behavior for achieving it, but this is exactly where the problem has appeared formidable. As it is, failure on the part of stakeholders and the government in getting it right might lead to a colossal wastage of time and other vital resources. My concern here is informed by my being a responsible Nigeria citizen and findings in the context of my doctoral research career in Liverpool.
The Nigeria public may wish to recall that the modern brand of community policing policy was transferred to Nigeria officially in 2003/2004 by the government under former president Olusegun Obasanjo as a wakeup call to the increase in the rate of crime in the country. This implementation of this policy has been undergoing a range of phases under various regimes over time with the hope that all will be well after all. However, reality with regards to crime problem, has demonstrated that the desired results in relation to the sense of community safety and security were far from being achieved. Despite relatively a decade of the introduction of this policing strategy, crime problems such as insurgency and terrorism, kidnapping of citizens (including parents and relations for ransom), intra-and inter-communal crisis, armed robbery and corruption are almost bringing the country to her knees. It is therefore no longer news to say that every Nigerian is living in fear and the embarrassment associated with this scenario can only be better imagined.
I can perceive hope in the integrity and incorrigible disposition of Mr President, the constitution of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption especially by virtue of the caliber of its membership and the on-going reforms in every sector of the economy. I therefore use this opportunity to caution Mr President not to allow the influence of double standard bearers and corrupt-ridden elites under whatever guise in the country to frustrate resolve of the Federal Government to ensure that those found to have compromised the sense of national morality were brought to justice and that Nigeria Project is now or never.
Personal and contact details:
Aminu Musa Audu commenced a doctoral research program in October, 2011 at the International Criminological Research Unit, School of Law and Social Justice, Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Liverpool. This research mandated to address ‘Community policing: Exploring the police/community relationship for crime control in Nigeria’ is being conducted in response to the disturbing crime problem in Nigeria at the moment under the supervisory team led by Professor Sandra Walklate, B.A., M. Litt., FAcSS,(Eleanor Rathbone Chair of Sociology), the Editor in Chief of the British Journal of Criminology; Adjunct Professor to the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology and Deputy Director N8PRP, Catalyst Funded, Innovation and the Application of Knowledge for More Effective Policing.
The doctoral research which has assumed submission stage, upon invitations has been presented at about sixteen different academic and professional meetings held in the UK, Poland, France, the US and Greece. Over the years it has achieved various honors, recognitions and awards. For instance, the British Sociological Association’s 2015 Support Fund Award for public presentation of research in Glasgow BSA April, 2015 in view of:’… His (Aminu) work is amongst the first to examine the efficacy of community policing in Nigeria from the viewpoint of all stakeholders (the police and members of community). How understandings of policing moving on from this work will be significant for future policy there. The benefits to him of presenting his work to a wider audience of sociologists go without saying…’ , Lancaster University Prize (as an interesting and topical research in the 3 minutes thesis competition) as well as the recognition and inclusion in the records as a PhD Project related to ‘Risk and Uncertainty’ by the Risk Institute, Geneva. Aminu Audu was a recipient of the Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson OBE Achievement Award for his voluntary contributions to the socio-economic development of the Liverpool city region and in support of the International Festival for Business 2014. He has offered lectures to masters students at the Kaplan International College Liverpool, Overseas Immersion Program (BA (Hons) Criminology and Security Studies of the University of Liverpool in Singapore) for the Singapore police, immigration and prison officials and other security operatives. A TETFUND Nigeria scholar, Aminu holds a tenured Lectureship position in Sociology at Kogi State University Anyigba Nigeria and also currently reviewing articles for publication as Editorial and Reviewers Board member of the Athens Journal of Social Sciences among others.
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Also Read: KSU Lecturer, Aminu Musa Audu, Wins Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson OBE Achievement Award
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