The growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in policing is reshaping discussions on crime prevention and public safety, particularly in emerging digital governance contexts such as Nigeria. While AI-driven tools such as predictive analytics and facial recognition are often promoted as solutions for improving efficiency in law enforcement, their potential social implications for public trust and community relations remain underexplored.

This study adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on policy documents, media reports, and secondary literature on digital surveillance and policing practices in Nigeria. Through document analysis, the paper examines how the introduction and prospective use of AI-enabled policing tools may influence public perceptions of safety, surveillance, and institutional trust.

Findings suggest that in contexts where governance frameworks are weak or insufficiently transparent, the adoption of AI in policing is likely to heighten perceptions of surveillance and social control, particularly among already vulnerable populations. This may reduce public trust and weaken community cooperation with law enforcement institutions. However, the analysis also indicates that where policies emphasize transparency, accountability, and community engagement, the risks associated with AI-driven policing can be mitigated, thereby improving public confidence.

The paper argues that the effectiveness of AI in policing within Nigeria will depend less on technological capability and more on the strength of institutional safeguards and participatory governance structures. It highlights the need for inclusive policy frameworks that integrate public input into the design and oversight of such technologies.

By situating AI policing within broader debates on governance, trust, and digital justice, this study challenges the assumption that technological innovation inherently enhances security. It concludes that sustainable public safety in Nigeria will depend on balancing innovation with legitimacy, accountability, and respect for civil liberties.