Multi-Level Policing Structure and National Security in Nigeria

The security architecture of Nigeria is enmeshed in a plethora of challenges due to the proliferation of weapons, organised banditry, assassinations, abduction and robbery attacks. These have been linked to cross-border crimes and internal socio-economic contradictions. Suffice it to say only a few studies have interrogated these security challenges from the perspective of multi-level policing structure. Thus, this study seeks to address this gap by examining how multi-level policing could impact positively Nigeria’s national security. To accomplish this task, the study utilizes both the primary and secondary methods of data collection by interviewing relevant stakeholders in the Nigeria’s security sector, such as senior and intermediate police officers, military and paramilitary officers. Consequently, the NVivo software program is used to organize, analyze, and visualize qualitative data. After a critical analysis of literatures, reports and data, the findings reveals among others, that Nigeria’s daunting security challenges are drawbacks of the nation’s current over-centralized policing structure, which is compounded by inadequate governmental support and funding; that the proposed multi-level policing structure if effectively implemented has the potential to bring security closer to the people at the grassroot, thereby, engendering national security. The paper recommends inter alia the adoption of a decentralized policing structure through appropriate legal and constitutional reforms; the creation of state police for effective policing of the entire country; effective crime investigation, prosecution and above all intelligence gathering as a way of nipping in the bud any potential crime. Through these, we believe effective policing of the entire country would be enhanced, and the incidence of crimes would reduce, which in turn would engender national security. Keywords: Multi-level Policing, Structure, National Security DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-3-02 Publication date: April 28th 2025