In defence of community policing in Nigeria

security is a universal system in any developing nation. The conceptual framework of security, according to observers, is a guide to defense against attacks and protection of lives and properties. Apart from the Nigerian Armed Forces which protect the territorial integrity of our country, the Nigeria Police Force has the core duty of protecting citizens against crime, violence and terrorism. Other arms of the Nigerian security system such as the NSCDC maintain specific frames of references in protecting the nation.

In recommending community policing as a form of policing in the Nigerian society, it is pertinent to discuss some vital issues. Over the years, academic studies have shown various methods adopted by the Nigerian government to address issues of insecurity and crime prevention in various communities. Albot and Clinard, in a 1973 study, submitted that in developing countries, crimes have become major problems which invariably require action as a way of providing necessary succour to members of the public. This is why community policing is imperative as an antidote to crime in the Nigerian society.

Although various scholars have agreed that control policies such as laws, regulations and other  governmental actions are strategic ways of combating crime, proven practices and action plans have shown that if community policing can be introduced systematically in a society, different conduct, behavior and attitude to societal integration, growth and development would be definitely achieved. Community policing can be defined as a social contract between members of the public and the police. It is a collaborative effort between communities and the police. Both parties view community policing as an attempt to discourage all forms of attacks and evils against the neighbourhood. The philosophy behind community policing is that the security apparatus will not be left in the hands of the police alone, but will allow the participation of the citizenry.

Community policing has some peculiar features. These include indigenization, domicility, topography, language and culture. What this implies is that for community policing to be very effective in a particular area, people must be residing in that particular place. Not only that, the issue of nativity must be taken into consideration. People must be speaking the same language and adopt a uniform culture as residents living in that community. Community policing is unlike the conventional style of policing where a police officer can be transferred from Nasarrawa State to Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State where topography and geographical areas are markedly different. That is where community policing can be classified as the best approach in terms of cost, safety, maintenance, reward and management. According to a scholar, Onyedi, community policing as a strategy is a phenomenon that builds fundamentally on policing strategy with emphasis and crime prevention to all those problems. As he put it, “Community policing reduces crime and fear while restoring a sense of order. But it also can rebuild the bond between citizens and government. Policing officers, as public servant who interact with citizen on a daily basis, have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the importance of citizens’ involvement in the community. In turn, they realize that their authority and effectiveness are linked directly to the support they receive from citizens. When fully embraced, community policing is democracy as its best.”

In every situation of life, safety and security are sacrosanct to human existence. There is the need for everyone to be conscious of his home, immediate environment and the society at large. Even the nation needs to be well secured. To avoid unwarranted calamities, the state and local government also need adequate protection. Not only that: markets, streets, motor parks, hospitals and other public institutions require heavy security apparatus.

It is important to note that human security is an embodiment of total freedom; freedom from threats to basic existence or natural disaster like death. Human security is a comprehensive part of community survival. Activities such as pipeline vandalism, terrorism, violence, kidnapping and theft of cable installations are all forms of insecurity in Nigeria. Discussing human security and development, Akinade, a security expert, opines that human security is not only to protect but to empower people and societies. The choice to promote citizen policing by the Lagos State government through the neighbourhood watch programme is in appreciation of the role of the society and social arrangements in securing lives and property. It is to enhance the basic rights of the citizenry, as essential ingredients to guarantee freedom.

As suggested by Akin Obe, a marine expert: “Only when the community and the police truly work together for their common good will citizens feel that they can trust the police. They will provide the police with information and assistance to help prevent crimes and arrest more criminals. This will help the police to serve their communities better and to fulfill their task to protect and save and gain legitimacy in the eyes of the public.”

Obe, therefore, suggested that effective community policing involves not only developing partnerships between law enforcement and citizens, but also with state and federal agencies. As the country awaits the final passage of the Ali Sokoto-sponsored Vigilante Bill at the National Assembly, it is necessary to note that the Nigerian society is witnessing its fair share of upsurge in crime. To be candid, problems such as militancy, insurgency, pipeline vandalism and several life threatening criminalities such as killings, assassinations, ritualism, armed robbery, domestic violence, corruption and Fulani herdsmen’s terrorism are now the order of the day. This is a source of worry to all the principal stakeholders in the security business.

In summary, I implore parents and guardians to be more conscious and vigilant. Statistical data have shown that kidnappers are now prowling our cities and communities, perpetrating their evil acts at all times. Teachers and other professionals are also enjoined to always develop an eagle eye for vital information on the movement of children for proper accountability, documentation and safety.

• Chief Udoma is the Lagos State Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN)

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