CORRUPTION PRACTICES AND ITS EFFECTS AMONG PERSONNEL OF NIGERIA POLICE IN BAUCHI STATE

Student: Abdullahi Inuwa Bawaji
Supervisor: Dr Umar Farouk Musa
HOD: Dr Umar Adam Musa
Department of Political Science
Social Science
Sa'adu Zungur University, Bauchi State

Abstract

Corruption in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has long been recognized as one of the greatest impediments to effective law enforcement and national security. This study investigates the phenomenon and it effects among the personnel in Nigeria, covering the period between 2019 and 2024. Using a qualitative research documentary analysis was applied collected data from mainly secondary sources extortion at checkpoints, bribery during bail processes, intimidation of citizens, unlawful detention, and the shielding of offenders in exchange for financial benefits. The findings further demonstrate that corruption within the police is sustained by weak institutional oversight, inadequate remuneration, political interference, and the ineffective enforcement of disciplinary measures. These practices have far-reaching consequences: citizens are subjected to human rights abuses, economic hardship due to financial exploitation, and loss of confidence in the police, which in turn fuels reliance on vigilante groups and mob justice. The study recommends strengthening accountability mechanisms through independent oversight bodies, judicial reforms, and reliable whistleblower protection systems. Improving welfare and working conditions, institutionalizing ethics and integrity training, and fostering community policing were also identified as essential reforms.

Full-Text Access Notice

In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication. During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.

Request authorisation from the author