An Evaluation of the Nigeria Police Jurisdictional Power under the Nigeria Law

Abstract

The paper examined the legal framework and professional practices with regard to functions, power and jurisdictions of the Nigeria Police, and the overlapping functions of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. These were with a view to undertaking a holistic analysis and appraisal of the nature and extent of jurisdictions established by law for the Nigeria Police to enhance its three core mandates of policing Nigeria, namely (i) the maintenance of law and order; (ii) the protection of life and property; and (iii) enhancing the administration of justice.

The study adopted doctrinal methodology and relied on primary and secondary sources of information. The primary source included unstructured interviews with relevant authorities, judicial decisions, state and federal laws governing jurisdictional issues in policing. The secondary source included books, journal articles, conference proceedings, newspaper publications and the internet. Data collected were subjected to content analysis.

The study found that, notwithstanding the various constitutional and statutory provisions on outlawing the creation of any other police in Nigeria or any part thereof, socio-economic, political, cultural and humanitarian challenges had militated against police effectiveness which necessitated the proliferation of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. It was also found that the legal framework delineating Nigeria into various police formations and areas over-concentrated powers in the epicentre of the police system.

The study insisted that, unless the Nigeria Police is adequately funded and its personnel properly trained and retrained, its effectiveness might remain unachievable. The paper, therefore, concluded that fundamental issues of recruitment policy, conditions of service, inadequate equipment, corruption in the police, attitude of Nigerians, force policy for delineation of police area, encroachment by other law enforcement agencies into police jurisdiction and the various overlapping functions by other law enforcement agencies must be properly addressed if the Nigeria Police would fulfil its constitutional role to the best advantage of the people.

Keywords: Nigeria Police; Jurisdiction; Criminal Jurisdiction; Civil Jurisdiction; Law Enforcement

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/15-2-03

Publication date: May 30^th 2025