AI Policing in Nigeria: A Review on Feasibility, Legality, and Legitimacy in an Era of Trust Deficit

The implementation of AI policing in Nigeria presents both potential benefits and significant challenges. Key advantages must be weighed against risks such as algorithmic bias and privacy infringements that mainly affect marginalized communities. The Nigeria Police Force contends with severe issues, including low public trust, insufficient funding, and a poor officer-to-citizen ratio (1:650), which is far below UN standards. Additional systemic barriers include out-dated paper records and the absence of a national biometric database. Legal and ethical concerns spotlight historical biases inadequately addressed by current regulations. Notably, the Nigeria Data Protection Act lacks mandatory bias evaluations, further eroding public confidence. Practical challenges arise from poor infrastructure, low data quality, and a skilled workforce deficit. To navigate these complexities, a comprehensive framework for AI deployment is proposed, which emphasizes legal protections, community engagement, and welfare improvements. This study advocates for a gradual AI adoption strategy using frameworks like the Technology-Organization-Environment model, emphasizing training and audits to uphold ethical standards and rebuild trust.