The Privatization of Security and the Emergence of Private Security
Companies in Crime Control in Nigeria
Abstract
This study interrogates the participation of private security companies
in crime control in Nigeria, with focus on the challenges militating
against their performance in security provisioning. The police are the
statutory agency invested with the powers of ensuring the security of
lives and property of citizens in Nigeria. The rising incidence of
crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, terrorism, and human
trafficking among others has demonstrated that the police have failed in
providing the required protection for the citizens. The paper argues
that the apparent inability of the police to adequately provide
protection for all citizens provided the nucleus for individuals to
search for alternative security provisioning, which culminated in the
emergence of private security companies in crime control in Nigeria. The
study contends that since the emergence of private security companies
into the theatre of security provisioning, they have played critical
role in ensuring security; thereby complementing the efforts of the
police. However, they are confronted with certain challenges which
militate against their performance. Some of the challenges include: lack
of firearms, lack of supervision and lack of cooperation from the police
among others. The study recommends among others: establishment of a
security institute, improved synergy with the police, and government
recognition of the private security sector.