COUNTERTERRORISM EFFECTIVENESS EFFECT OF NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE (NPF) TASK STRUCTURE

Abstract

This study examined counterterrorism effectiveness effect of Nigerian Police Force (NPF) task structure. Cross-sectional and correlational designs were adopted. A total of 396 participants were drawn from Delta State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, using a multistage sampling technique that incorporated cluster and incidental sampling methods. Data were collected using three structured instruments: Nigerian Police Task Structure Questionnaire, Nigerian Police Organizational Commitment Inventory, and Counterterrorism Effectiveness Inventory. Pearson Correlational analysis was employed to test the stated hypotheses. Findings revealed that Nigerian Police Task Structure significantly correlated with counterterrorism effectiveness (p<0.01, r = 0.450, N = 396). Nigerian Police Task Structure also significantly correlated with all the dimensions of Police Counterterrorism Effectiveness namely “Prevent” (p<0.01, r = 0.200, N = 396), “Pursue” (p<0.01, r = 0.400, N = 396), “Protect” (p<0.01, r = 0.500, N = 396), “Prepare” (p<0.01, r = 0.262, N = 396), and “International Action” (p<0.01, r = 0.278, N = 396). The implications of the study are that enhancing task structure of the Nigerian Police Force are essential for improving counterterrorism effectiveness, fostering police image, and strengthening public confidence in security framework of the nation. The study recommends improving structural clarity within police operations, conducting periodic public perception assessments of the Nigerian Police, so that the public will assist identify Nigerian Police’s structural and performance limitations, which are necessary during Police training. Citizen’s Self defense against terrorists is also recommended, so as to reduce counterterrorism burden on the Nigerian Police. The study has contributed knowledge to counterterrorism effectiveness by bringing into focus the necessity that the public should be incorporated in identifying the structural and performance limitations of the Nigerian Police Force in counterterrorism, which should be part of Police counterterrorism training.