Enforcement of law: Review powers and challenges of the police in Nigeria

Abstract

Progress and development are only attainable in an atmosphere of peace and security. This explains why every society needs the Police  in this modern time. Where security of lives and property is elusive, the Hobbesian state of nature will re-enact itself. Irrespective of the  powers conferred on the Police under the relevant laws, the Police has not delivered on its mandate of protecting life and property of Nigerians. Arms peddling, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks, serial killings, general insecurity, etc, now reign supreme in Nigeria.  The researchers therefore employed doctrinal research methodology to law enforcement powers and challenges of the Nigerian Police  focusing on the Nigerian jurisdiction. It was found, inter alia, that the Nigerian police still thrives on the colonial mentality of suppression and has stood aloof from the citizenry whom they are meant to protect; that corruption, under funding, lack of training, among others,  have similarly put a cog in the wheel of police’ law enforcement, thereby rendering the police’ public image stale; that an objective police  reform is imperative to bring the police institution in tune with modern democratic realities. Among other things, police reform, training,   welfare, review of qualification for recruitment into the Force and proper funding were recommended.