Assessing public policy on intelligence gathering and community safety in north central, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of insecurity in the northcentral Nigeria translates to policy gaps in intelligence gathering which reflects the vulnerability of community safety. It was against this background that this study engaged Broken Windows’ theory to assess public policy on intelligence gathering for community safety in North Central Nigeria, focusing on community-oriented intelligence gathering and Early Warning/Early Response mechanisms. The study utilised qualitative research design with reliance on secondary data generated via journals publication and other documented materials relevant to the study to explore the effectiveness and inclusiveness of current policies in fostering proactive security responses within communities. Findings from empirical review revealed a significant gap in community involvement, as policies on intelligence gathering are implemented without adequate community engagement. The result from study also established that lack of inclusion of community stakeholders has resulted in limited effectiveness of Early Warning Early Response mechanisms, hindering timely response for community safety. Consequently, the prevailing approach to intelligence gathering remains largely reactive, undermining the potential of intelligence-driven policy to address emerging threats proactively. The study recommends that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency in internal security and community policing, must take doctrinal ownership of community-oriented intelligence gathering frameworks by leveraging its constitutional mandate under the Police Act 2020 and the Police Establishment Act to institutionalize early warning mechanisms across North Central Nigeria. Furthermore, the study recommends that the Office of the National Security Adviser, North Central Development Commission, and North Central Governors Forum should collaborate to evolve a policy shift toward a community-centered approach prioritizing the establishment of structurally inclusive mechanisms that formally engage community stakeholders in intelligence processes through a local Fusion Centre. Finally, the study recommends that the Nigerian Army, through its Non-Kinetic Operations Directorate and Theatre Commands operating in North Central Nigeria, must deepen its reliance on community intelligence as a force multiplier for proactive security interventions. Accordingly, the North Central Development Commission and the North Central Governors Forum should evolve a deliberate policy implementation of community-led training programs focused on recognizing and reporting early signs of security threats. Such programs will equip community members with the skills needed to actively participate in early warning processes, ensuring that actionable intelligence reaches military commanders in real time, thereby bridging the communication gap between local residents and security personnel