Traditional Leadership and Crime Reduction: Assessing the Security Impact of the New Emirates in Bauchi State
Abstract
The creation of new emirates in Bauchi State has rekindled scholarly and policy interest in the role of traditional leadership in enhancing community security and reducing crime. This study examines the security impact of the newly established emirates, assessing how traditional institutions contribute to maintaining law and order, conflict resolution, and social cohesion. Using a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative interviews with key traditional leaders, security personnel, and community members, as well as quantitative data from local security reports, the research explores the relationship between decentralized traditional authority and community safety. Findings reveal that the new emirates have strengthened grassroots governance, improved community policing, and enhanced early warning mechanisms for conflict prevention. However, challenges such as limited financial resources, overlapping jurisdictions with local government authorities, and political interference hinder the full potential of these institutions. The study concludes that empowering traditional rulers through legal frameworks, capacity building, and collaboration with formal security agencies can significantly contribute to sustainable peace and crime reduction in Bauchi State. Policy recommendations are made for integrating traditional leadership structures into state-level security architecture to enhance community-based security governance.
