Research Article

DECENTRALIZING SECURITY: THE ROLE OF STATE POLICING IN CRIME PREVENTION IN NIGERIA

ISSN: 3067-4417

DOI Prefix: 10.5281/zenodo.

Authors: Emmanuel Obinna Eze , Grace Ifeoma Okorie
Published: Volume 12, Issue 2 (2025)
Date: July 8, 2025

Abstract

The topical issue of crime prevention and control has always gained attention from criminology scholars especially when it comes to the role of the policing system in combating crime in the society. This paper explores the viability, adoption and implementation of state policing in Nigeria as a mechanism for enhancing crime prevention and control. The growing concern on decentralizing policing system to effectively manage various security issues across the country calls for the esteemed need of this research. The study employs a theoretical method approach, with detailed examination and interpretation of existing knowledge and research. The study adopted the Routine Activity Theory (RAT) to explain how decentralized policing strategies can enhance guardianship, reduce criminal opportunities, and address local security needs more effectively. This research acknowledged the significant role of state policing in crime prevention and control, drawing global instances from United States (California and Texas), Canada (Ontario and British Columbia), and Australia (New South Wales and Victoria). This paper also identified the major constraints to state policing in Nigeria to include political resistance, funding, capacity building, inter-agency coordination and community trust. The implications of these findings underscore the pressing need to adopt and implement state policing in Nigeria. This can be achieved through enhanced legislative reforms, allocation of sufficient financial resources to the policing system, continuous training and professional development programs, establishment of clear guidelines and communication channels, and adoption of community policing strategies in crime prevention and control in Nigeria.