Evaluating the Role of Facial Recognition Technology in Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement in Nigeria

Abstract

The use of facial recognition technology at airports and in criminal investigations has made facial recognition technology (F.R.T), fast becoming a potent tool in Nigerian law enforcement. Using three disciplinary lenses, sociology, law, and criminology, this study critically assesses FRT's potential for crime prevention in Nigeria. Sociologically speaking, FRT runs the risk of normalising monitoring, strengthening social inequality through skewed misidentifications, and undermining institutional trust, which is already brittle. By designating biometric identifiers as sensitive data and mandating proportionality, monitoring, and remedies, Nigeria's Data Protection Act 2023 represents a significant legal advancement. However, there are still serious issues with operational rules, training, and enforcement. In terms of criminology, FRT provides investigative advantages including expedited suspect identification and evidence support; however, they are counterbalanced by the significant of falsehood. Similar conflicts are highlighted by comparative data from other jurisdictions, underscoring the need to strike a balance between the promise of technology and the dangers of human rights abuses and declining police legitimacy. Premature or widespread deployment is particularly troublesome in Nigeria due to the country's inherent security issues, poor public confidence, and lax regulatory enforcement. Narrowly specified legal authorisations, human oversight, required effect assessments, capacity building, and phased deployment are all suggested in the article's conclusion. Ultimately, whether FRT is incorporated into robust protections that uphold justice, accountability, and democratic governance will determine its success in Nigeria more than its technical complexity.