Rethinking Police Centralisation in Nigeria: Decentralisation as a Strategy for Addressing Organised Crime, Kidnapping, and Terrorism

Abstract Nigeria is in the throes of an internal security crisis, and has witnessed the greatest threats to internal order and national cohesion. Never since the civil war (1967-1970) has insecurity become so pervasive, with fear, anxiety and suspense so high among the citizens. There are mass killings, destruction, and collateral damage across the country amidst organised violent crime. The country has been held captive by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers. As expected, the Nigerian Police has come under severe scrutiny, with questions raised about the effectiveness and performance of its personnel, command and control, deployment, and management. On this worrisome character of internal security, this study examines the decentralisation of the police. Specifically, the establishment of state police/community policing as a means of mitigating organised crime in Nigeria.