Public Perception on the Conflicting Roles of the Nigerian Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Awka Metropolis

Unless something is done to control it, a better, safer and more prosperous society emerging in Nigeria will remain elusive. This is because the conflict between the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps have created a security gap which criminal culprits are taking advantage of in perfecting their crimes. Previous studies on the Nigerian Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have not focus their attention on assessing the degree of conflict between them. This study therefore assesses the Public Perception on the Conflicting Roles of the Nigerian Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Awka Metropolis. The sample was drawn from 604 adult participants that reside in Awka Metropolis and systematic random sampling method was adopted. Data were generated through questionnaire administration on demographic characteristics of participants. The group conflict theory of George Vold (1958) formed the theoretical framework. The study therefore recommends that effort should be made to provide adequate awareness or orientation on the differences and similarities in the security roles played by the NSCDC and the police to curb the occurrence of clashes between them. Also the ministry of interior should ensure that there is a synergy between the NSCDC and the police while performing their official duties to avoid unnecessary conflict between them.

Keywords: Conflicting Roles, NSCDC, Public-Perception, Systematic failure, The Nigeria Police.