LEGAL BASIS FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THEIR SECURITY
Nigeria’s legal framework recognizes that security is a shared responsibility between the government and the people. Various laws encourage and, in some cases, mandate citizen participation in security efforts. Below is an outline of some of the relevant laws:
1. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended): By Section 24(e), It shall be the duty of every citizen to render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintaining peace and security.
2. The Penal Code Act (Applicable to Northern Nigeria: By Section 83 thereof, a private person may arrest an offender and hand them over to law enforcement agencies. By Section 197, it is an offence to obstruct a person acting lawfully to prevent a crime, thereby encouraging community collaboration in security.
3. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2025 by Section 1 thereof states that purpose of ACJA includes promoting community involvement in crime prevention and justice administration. Section 20 encourages private citizens to arrest individuals committing offenses in their presence. Section 23 encourages cooperation between citizens and security agencies in enforcement of laws.
4. The Nigerian Police Act, 2020 by Section 4(e) encourage citizen collaboration with the police through community policing strategies. Section 98 recognizes the role of special constables, who are community members enlisted to assist the police in maintaining law and order. Section 100 mandates the Inspector General of Police to ensure citizens actively participate in security initiatives.
5. The Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 – by Section 12 Imposes a duty on individuals to report suspicious activities related to terrorism. Section 37 encourages community members to support counter-terrorism efforts through intelligence sharing.
6. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Act, 2003 (As Amended)- by Section 3(1)(a): mandates the NSCDC to collaborates with local communities to prevent and combat crime. Section 14 recognizes the role of private security organizations and local vigilante groups in assisting law enforcement.
7. The Armed Forces Act, 2004 – by Section 217(2)(c) authorizes the military to intervene in security matters when necessary, often requiring local intelligence and cooperation from citizens.
From the various laws that enable citizen participation in security, it is evident that community members possess the local knowledge necessary for effective crime prevention. Security and social order are fundamental responsibilities of every citizen, as recognized by Nigerian laws. From the Constitution which mandates citizens to assist in maintaining law and order, to the Nigeria Police Act which promotes community policing, our legal framework affirms that security is a shared duty between the government and the people.
However, despite these legal provisions, our communities have become increasingly vulnerable due to deep social divisions, moral decay, and the infiltration of crime into leadership structures. Instead of being united in securing our communities, we now live in society polarized by clannish affiliations, political bitterness, and lack of trust. Suspicion has replaced cooperation, and the very people who should lead community security efforts are sometimes the same individuals enabling crime.
These laws make it clear that citizens are not beneficiaries of security, they are stakeholders in it. However, without unity, moral reorientation and community-led restructuring, these laws cannot be effectively implemented.
Recognizing these challenges, Ayatutu Lawyers Forum (ALF) Worldwide, in partnership with Communities Synergy for Grassroots Transformation Initiative (CSGTI), has taken proactive steps to restructure our communities and return security to the hands of responsible law-abiding citizens. This initiative aims at restoring trust and unity, empowering the right leadership, strengthening community-based security, reviving moral and civic values and engaging the youth positively.
Laws alone cannot secure our communities – only the active participation of citizens can. If we, as law abiding members of the society fail to take charge, we risk leaving our society in the hands of those who exploit security structures for personal gain.
The team spirit that once defined our communities must be reactivated. Security is a collective fight, and every individual, regardless of status or background, has a role to play. By restructuring our society, we can create safe, stable and prosperous communities.
The time to act is now. Let us rise to this responsibility and reclaim our society from the forces of division and lawlessness. It is possible