Role of Digital Technology in Enhancing Law Enforcement Efficiency in Nigeria: A Study of Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State
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Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Global Journal of Applied, Management and Social Sciences (GOJAMSS);
Abstract
This paper focuses on the use of digital technology in improving the efficiency of law enforcers in the Ikorodu
Local Government Area of Lagos State in Nigeria. The research design of the study is descriptive survey
research design where both quantitative and qualitative methods are combined to bring out a holistic
analysis of the topic. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data of
286 participants consisting of law enforcement officers, members of the communities, and civil society
participants. The results indicate that the degree of uptake of digital technologies including CCTV
surveillance, biometric and digital communication tools are moderate with a high difference between
security units. The statistical analysis shows that the use of digital technologies and crime detection
improvements have a strong positive relationship, as well as response time and intelligence gathering.
Nevertheless, the research also notes some of the major challenges, such as insufficient funds, inadequate
infrastructure, the lack of technical capacity, and the issue of privacy of data. The authors find that the
digital technology has vast potential to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement, but its potential is
limited by systemic and institutional constraints. It suggests more funding in digital infrastructures, human
resource capacity building, enhanced community policing, and definition of clear rules. Generally, the
research highlights the necessity of a balanced and integrated digital policing method that has integrated
technological innovation with community involvement and ethical protection.