ASSESSMENT OF THE CHALLENGES OF POLICING IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA-NIGERIA

This study has assessed the challenges of policing in Abuja the federal capital territory, in achieving the aim of this study the researcher examined factors that challenge policing in the FCT, Abuja. The foundation of policing in Nigeria today can be traced to colonial legacy. Colonial policies subjugated the existing traditional informal .law enforcement order and forcefully imposed western idea of policing. Thus, policing within the context of oppression and gross misuse of power has been linked to western orientation. This imperial orientation is not only maintained and sustained by successive Nigerian administrations but also have serious implication for an effective policing in Nigeria, particularly the federal capital territory. This paper identifies critical issues that are germane to policing in Abuja the federal capital territory Nigeria. The paper further identifies some challenges that plague the police as an institution in the present democratic era. In spite of pervading problems and consequent challenges, the paper identifies prospects in the sustenance of policing in the present democratic dispensation as applicable in Abuja the federal capital territory Nigeria. To achieve this, the paper concludes with good governance in relation to police reform as strategies for an effective policing in Abuja Nigeria. The study reviewed literature according to the study objectives while social contract theory was reviewed and adopted. The study adopted survey design, the study adopted a sample of 384 respondents, questionnaire instrument was used as the instrument of data collection, the data collected was analyzed descriptively while chi-square based measure was used for testing the hypothesis. However, the study revealed that multiple authority in the FCT, political interference and family pressures are the major challenges affecting policing in FCT, Abuja. The study concluded that systemic overload is a basic factor affecting policing leading to de-motivation. Hence, this study recommends that government should reduce political interference and increase funding for the police in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.