African strategic intelligence versus orthodox security measures: investigating African perspectives on crime detection in Nigeria

Introduction: Crime investigation and detection have been age-long practices in society. African communities have enriching strategic intelligence in crime management rooted in their indigenous knowledge system. This traditional method of crime apprehension was prevalent in the pre-colonial era. The efficacy of this method finds its root in African religious systems. With the colonial administration came orthodox security agencies and measures. Thus, in this modern era, the prevailing usage of orthodox security measures deeply rooted in Western security intelligence has not been able to eradicate crime in the society. Nigeria is rated as one of the most unsafecountries in the globe. This raises the question of the efficacy of modern or orthodox security measures in apprehending or combating criminal activities in this country. Against this background, this study explores the relevance of engaging ASSI and OSM in mitigating criminal activities in Nigeria.

Methods: Purposive sampling was employed in selecting participants, including African custodians of indigenous knowledge, popularly called babalawos in southwest Nigeria, and selected members of the Nigeria Police Force, using the methods of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data from the interviews and focus group discussions.

Results: The findings of this study reveal that the unique characteristics of criminal activities in Nigeria require both methods, as each proved inadequate without the other. It was also revealed that these criminals evade modern security detection by using traditional fortification mechanisms.

Conclusion: The study concludes that for effective and successful crime investigation and criminal apprehension, there is a need for a blend of both ASSI and orthodox methods.