DEVELOPING FORENSIC SCIENCE CAPABILITIES IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The need to integrate investigation actions with forensic capabilities is increasingly becoming inevitable in the developing world so as to overcome challenges posed by security crisis on development. Efforts aimed at improving forensic science capabilities in Nigeria seek to address the growing needs of criminal investigations to achieve durable solutions to various security issues in the country on a long-term basis. For a contextual understanding of the challenges hampering criminal investigations and the prospects abound for Nigeria’s forensic capabilities, this paper examined gaps in the investigative actions used in addressing security issues like insurgency, murder, theft, rape, etc. Such actions deploy the use of stale methods and tools based on older technologies rendering many either as victims or survivors of unresolved crimes. The first Nigeria’s DNA forensic center was established in 2017; earlier DNA analysis requirements were performed abroad. Therefore, the area of forensics is still plagued by inadequate devices and manpower for effective analysis. This article used secondary qualitative reviews and opportunity theory to explain the role of forensics in crime prevention and control and the promotion of national security. Thus, examining the implications of the gaps in forensics in hampering effective investigations is paramount. More efforts especially by government on the adoption of forensic services by respective relevant agencies would impact on saving life, liberty and property immeasurably.