The question behind the research
Citizen-led intelligence can help the police respond to insecurity. This study asks how public trust and perceptions of the Nigeria Police Force relate to citizens' readiness to cooperate. The brief describes a relationship in which personal experience, professional conduct, and confidence in confidentiality all matter.
What the study found
Confidence was low across several measures.
In the surveyed group, 62.9% said they did not trust the police to protect lives and property in their communities, and 72.7% lacked confidence in an effective response to security threats. The brief reports that personal experiences were an important influence on these perceptions.
Fairness and professionalism were recurring concerns.
Some 85.2% of respondents did not believe the force treated citizens fairly and without bias. A further 67.6% said officers in their areas did not conduct themselves professionally when interacting with the public.
Willingness to help persisted despite distrust.
The brief reports that 74.6% would report suspicious activities and 84.4% would share useful security information to help prevent crime. At the same time, 52% said their willingness to share intelligence depended on their level of trust in the police.
Safety and confidentiality mattered.
Only 35.2% trusted the police to handle citizens' information confidentially. Fear of intimidation or victimisation was another reported barrier, making protection of people who share information a central concern in the findings.
The researcher's recommendations
- Address corruption and misconduct through stronger accountability for officers.
- Provide regular training on public engagement and professional conduct.
- Hold interactive community sessions to hear and address recurring grievances.
- Introduce credible confidentiality protections and safeguards against intimidation or victimisation.
Putting the findings in context
The findings suggest that rebuilding confidence and making cooperation feel safe are important to encouraging intelligence sharing. The study describes associations and reported intentions; these figures should not be read as proof that a single reform will produce a particular outcome.