Digital Platforms and Public Confidence in Police-Citizen Relations in the Context of Security Crises in Nigeria

The present age is marked by rapid digital transformation and heightened security concerns, and the role of social media in shaping public trust in police relations has become increasingly significant. This research explores how police use of social media during national security emergencies affects public trust in Nigeria. The study explores how digital platforms and Apps—particularly Chatbots, Twitter, Tik-Tok, Facebook, WhatsApp and use of Drones affect public perception of police credibility and responsiveness during national security crises. Using Gashua town as a case study, the research investigates the effectiveness of police messaging, the spread of misinformation, and the dynamics of online engagement between law enforcement agencies and citizens. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining sentiment analysis of social media content with surveys and interviews to assess public reactions. The research integrates content analysis of police posts, sentiment analysis of social media contents, analysis of public reactions, and survey data from affected communities. Findings reveal that timely, transparent, and empathetic digital communication enhances trust and cooperation, while inconsistent, misinformation or opaque messaging can exacerbate fear, disengagement and skepticism. The research recommends the need for strategic digital engagement policies, training for law enforcement personnel and improvement in police–public digital interaction to foster resilience as well as public confidence in times of crisis with implications for national security policy.