Political Science Law
| Open Access |
DOI: The Efficacy of Community Based Policing Models in Countering Terrorism in North East Nigeria
Augustine I. Wonor , City University, Cambodia Olanrewaju L. Yusuf , Lagos State University, NigeriaAbstract
Terrorism and insurgency in Northeast Nigeria persistently threaten national stability and human security, highlighting the limitations of traditional militarised counter-terrorism strategies. Community-based policing structures, exemplified by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have become essential collaborators in intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and fostering community trust. Despite their effectiveness, these initiatives encounter ongoing institutional, legal, and sustainability challenges that restrict their incorporation into Nigeria’s national counter-terrorism framework. This study analyses the effectiveness of community-based policing in combating terrorism in Northeast Nigeria, emphasising its operational efficiency, institutional and policy backing, legal challenges, and stakeholder views on sustainability. Guided by the Community-Oriented Policing (COP) Model, which highlights collaboration, problem resolution, and decentralisation, the study utilised a quantitative research method. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 67 respondents in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Data were collected through Google Forms and analysed using descriptive statistics, which are presented in bar charts. The findings indicate that community policing significantly enhances intelligence gathering, with over 90% agreement, improves early warning systems, and fosters collaboration between communities and law enforcement. Less than half of respondents indicated sufficient institutional support, legal clarity, or funding. The majority viewed community policing as both sustainable and vital to Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy, despite existing constraints. The study concludes that the formal institutionalisation, funding, and policy integration of community policing are essential for enhancing counter-terrorism efforts in Nigeria's Northeast.
Keywords
Community policing, Counter-terrorism, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)
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