Community-Based Policing Strategies for Promoting Development and Stability in Kogi State

Dantawaye Gajere Miller — 2025-11-20

Kogi State, like many regions in Nigeria, grapples with persistent insecurity, community mistrust, and underdevelopment. Armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes, and political violence continue to undermine grassroots peace efforts and economic progress. In response to these challenges, community-based policing has emerged as an alternative approach aimed at improving security outcomes by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local stakeholders. This study explores the role of community policing in promoting development and stability across selected communities in Kogi State. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study utilised data from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and official reports from community policing units and civil society organisations. The analysis focused on local perspectives, policing strategies, and collaborative frameworks involving vigilantes, neighbourhood watch groups, and traditional authorities. Findings reveal that effective community policing has led to increased public trust in security agencies, improved information flow, and more proactive responses to crime. The involvement of local actors, particularly through neighbourhood security groups and multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms, has enhanced social cohesion and contributed to a decline in petty crimes and communal disputes. However, persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, poor training, and political interference continue to limit the impact. The study concludes that community-based policing, when properly structured and supported, can significantly contribute to grassroots stability, promote participatory governance, and foster long-term local development. It recommends strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing community-police relations, and ensuring inclusive security planning at the local government level.

The “Brain Drain” vs. “Brain Gain” Debate: Impacts on Africa’s Development

Festus Ejiroghene Fifen — 2025-11-20

The migration of skilled professionals from African countries, often referred to as "brain drain," has had a profound impact on the continent's socio-economic development. This ongoing phenomenon has resulted in the loss of human capital, severely affecting critical sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and infrastructural development. The mass exodus of skilled workers in Africa has created a gap that has disrupted these vital industries, thereby undermining efforts to drive progress and innovation. Conversely, the concept of “brain gain” presents an optimistic view, focusing on the contributions made by African professionals in the diaspora. These contributions– financial remittances, knowledge exchange, and the establishment of transnational networks– have been vital in fostering economic development and enhancing access to expertise in various fields. While these benefits are undeniable, they do not fully counterbalance the negative impacts of brain drain, which continues to hinder the potential growth of African nations. This paper explores the complex relationship between brain drain and brain gain within the context of Africa's socio-economic development. Drawing on the human capital theory, which emphasises the importance of skilled labour in driving economic and social progress, this work investigates the implications of skilled migration on the continent's growth. By examining case studies from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, this paper highlights the challenges faced by African nations in retaining their experienced professionals and the potential benefits of engaging with Africans in the diaspora. Through a comprehensive analysis of migration trends and policy approaches, this research advocates for the development of strategies that balance the retention of skilled labour with fostering global mobility. This paper seeks to provide practical recommendations that will allow African countries to maximise the positive impacts of skilled migration, while minimising the adverse effects of brain drain and thus ultimately promoting sustainable development across the continent.

African Journal of Stability and Development (AJSD)

Community-Based Policing Strategies for Promoting Development and Stability in Kogi State

The “Brain Drain” vs. “Brain Gain” Debate: Impacts on Africa’s Development