Conference Paper

E-SECURITY IN NIGERIAN FOURTH REPUBLIC: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT (SCID), ELEWERAN, ABEOKUTA

Administration of security in Nigeria has seen increased interest in the use of electronic technology following the return to democratic rule in 1999. Fourth Republic of Nigeria has created a political environment in which state institutions such as the police force are expected to modernize their methods of operation. This paper evaluates e-security in the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta by looking at the use of electronic security gadgets, the advantages these gadgets have brought to criminal investigation, and the problems that affect them. Descriptive survey research methodology was used. The study population consisted of 290 SCID officers who were sampled to come up with a sample size of 168 using the Taro Yamane method while simple random sampling was used for sampling. Structured questionnaires were distributed and 153 responses were collected and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics including ANOVA and regression analysis. It was revealed that the use of biometric detection system, lie detectors, GPS, CCTV and walkie-talkies is practiced in SCID, Eleweran with biometric having the highest acceptance level of 95%. Advantages have been realized through the use of e-security gadgets. However, some of the challenges that were recognized include issues such as corruption, poor funding, lack of digital skills, poor infrastructure, and data privacy. These recommendations will include funding for the use of technology, training of officers, partnerships to improve infrastructure, and data security policies. The research is based on the Technology Acceptance Model. Keywords: e-security, SCID Eleweran, digital policing, Fourth Republic, criminal justice.