Charms and rituals are used by criminals in Nigeria – should police deploy spiritual security too?

Usman A. Ojedokun

Crime is among the major challenges confronting Nigeria as a nation. The pervasiveness of crime has repeatedly called into question the effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force. This is despite their exclusive reliance on modern policing strategies and techniques.

Traditionally, crime-related matters have been handled through what’s known as “spiritual security”. This is a knowledge system that involves the use of amulets, charms, rituals and talismans for protection, power and clairvoyance.

As sociologists specialising in criminology, we were interested in what the Nigerian police personnel had to say about these mechanisms of protection.

We conducted a study of their perceptions and attitudes. Many told us that they believed criminals used spiritual security for power and protection. Some officers confirmed that they themselves used charms and the like to help in their jobs.

Nigerians use spiritual security mechanisms in other areas of social life such as