Assessing the Role of the Nigerian Police Force in Combating Urban Crime and Its Socio-Economic Implications

This study assessed the socio-economic implications of the fight against urban crimes in Nigeria by the Nigerian Police Force. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design and made use of both primary and secondary sources of data. The population of the study was the police men and women of the Force Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigerian Police Force State Commands in Imo, Lagos and Abuja numbering 165 (which also serves as sample population of the study). The study adopted the non-probability (judgmental) sampling technique; and the data collected through structured questionnaire instrument were presented and analyzed using frequency percentage and chi-square (X2) statistical instrument of analysis. The study revealed a number of drivers of crimes in urban areas as well as the socio-economic implication of crimes in urban areas in Nigeria. Based on the revelations, the researchers recommended among others that there should be a very proactive and responsive security template for security outfits in Nigeria to ensure adequate safety of lives and properties within the country as it would go a long way in addressing the operational inefficiency and logistical challenges faced by Commands of the Nigeria Police Force in responding adequately to meet residents’ demand for security of their lives and properties.