SECURITY AND SOCIO-POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS OF UNSOLVED KILLINGS AND THE NIGERIAN POLICE'S INVESTIGATIVE SHORTCOMINGS: AN EXPLANATION

This study explores the security and socio-political ramifications of unsolved killings in Nigeria, emphasizing the investigative shortcomings of the Nigerian Police. The persistent inability to resolve high-profile and everyday homicides has fostered a climate of fear, eroded public trust in law enforcement, and contributed to rising insecurity and social unrest. The research examines key factors responsible for these investigative failures, including inadequate forensic infrastructure,
corruption, political interference, and institutional inefficiencies. Using a qualitative research approach, the study will analyze documented cases of unresolved murders, assess their impact on governance and public perception of justice, and evaluate the broader socio-political consequences. The methodology used in this study was a desk-based library method where the knowledge gained from various literatures security experts, legal professionals, law enforcement officers, and affected families, supplemented by secondary sources such as police reports and media analyses. Findings will underscore how investigative lapses contribute to impunity, weaken democratic institutions, and escalate political instability. The study will offer policy recommendations aimed at reforming the
Nigerian Police Force’s investigative processes, strengthening forensic capabilities, and ensuring greater transparency and accountability in homicide investigations to enhance national security and promote justice.