Bridging the Gap: Community Policing As a Solution to Youth Restiveness in Nigeria

This study explores the role of community policing in addressing youth restiveness across selected Nigerian states. Guided by four research objectives and questions, the study adopts the Social Structural Theory of Community Policing and utilizes a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected from 300 respondents through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The study's findings were analyzed using simple percentages and mean scores, with a statistical significance level of 0.05. The results reveal a widespread awareness of community policing as an effective tool for controlling youth restiveness. Key factors contributing to youth unrest include unemployment, poverty, corruption, marginalization, lack of proper parental upbringing, peer pressure, political instability, drug abuse, and cultism. Ethnic and tribal crises, poor infrastructure, and environmental degradation were also identified as significant drivers.

Community policing was found to promote stronger relationships between law enforcement and local communities, although challenges such as police brutality, corruption, and interference from powerful figures hinder its full potential. Respondents suggested that addressing these issues requires creating more job opportunities, establishing community policing units, and improving infrastructure in marginalized areas. Additionally, they recommended clear agreements with oil companies to address environmental pollution and boundary disputes.

To enhance the effectiveness of community policing, it was recommended that the Nigerian police and other security agencies build trust and improve collaboration with local communities, ensuring a transparent and accountable system that fosters mutual cooperation in crime prevention and youth engagement.