Public views of trust in the police in Nigeria: moral conformity, community input and ineffectiveness

Purpose This study explores the factors influencing public trust in the police within the African context, specifically in Nigeria, where limited research has been conducted on this issue. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data from 607 Nigerian residents, this study examines how perceptions of police legal and normative conformity, community input and perceived ineffectiveness relate to three dimensions of police trust: normative, organizational and particularized. Findings Our findings reveal that both perceived police legal and normative conformity and community input are positively related to the three types of police trust, whereas perceived police ineffectiveness is negatively linked to normative trust in the police. Research limitations/implications The study is based on self-reported perceptions from a single national context, which may limit generalizability. Future research should examine these relationships across diverse African settings. Practical implications The findings suggest that police departments should prioritize policies and programs aimed at enhancing police officers' conformity with laws and morality and their involvement in community affairs. Efforts to strengthen police effectiveness should also be implemented to promote public trust in the police. Originality/value This study adds to the limited body of literature on policing in Africa by identifying key correlates of public trust in the Nigerian police. It highlights the importance of lawful, morally aligned and community-engaged policing practices for building public trust.