Factors Militating Against Nigerian Police Criminal Investigation: A Study of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Abuja

The stability of Nigeria as a sovereign entity is under growing threat from escalating criminal activities; however, academic inquiry into the challenges confronting police criminal investigations remains insufficient. This gap contributes to widespread misconceptions and underestimation of the severity of threats posed by crime. This study investigates the factors militating against effective criminal investigation within the Nigerian Police Force, focusing on the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja. The research assesses whether deficiencies in police criminal investigation contribute significantly to the escalation of crime in Nigeria, especially considering that previous state efforts to combat crime have yielded minimal results. The study employed a survey research design, drawing on both primary and secondary sources. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 306 respondents for questionnaire administration, while 10 informants were purposively chosen for in-depth interviews. The study is theoretically anchored on the functionalist and conflict perspectives of crime. Findings reveal several critical challenges: poor police-public relations, inadequate funding, political interference, and lack of consistent capacity building. These factors collectively undermine the effectiveness of police criminal investigations. The study recommends comprehensive police reform, including the restructuring of the FCID, public sensitization programs to foster mutual trust, and the continuous training and retraining of investigative personnel to improve competency and performance. Such interventions are vital for restoring public confidence and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Police Force in combating crime.