The Legality of Stop-and-Search Powers by Security Forces in Adamawa State: A Civil Liberties Analysis

Stop-and-search operations conducted by the Nigerian police and military have attracted mounting criticism for their disproportionate and often unlawful application against civilian populations, particularly in states experiencing security challenges. Adamawa State in North East Nigeria has been significantly affected by counter-insurgency operations and the associated deployment of security forces, raising concerns about civil liberties violations. This research undertakes a civil liberties analysis of stop-and-search powers exercised by security forces in Adamawa State, examining the legal basis for such powers under the Police Act 2020, the Armed Forces Act, and the relevant constitutional provisions. A qualitative methodology was employed, incorporating interviews with human rights lawyers, civil society activists, and members of the public in Yola and Mubi who had experienced stop-and-search encounters. Secondary data was gathered from Nigeria Human Rights Commission reports, Amnesty International publications, and court records from 2019 to 2024. The findings reveal a pattern of unlawful searches conducted without reasonable suspicion, accompanied by extortion, physical abuse, and arbitrary detention. Existing accountability mechanisms are found to be ineffective in addressing such abuses. The study recommends the enactment of clear statutory guidelines governing stop-and-search powers, the establishment of independent complaints bodies, and mandatory body camera use by law enforcement personnel. This research contributes to the civil liberties and security law discourse in North East Nigeria. Keywords: stop-and-search, civil liberties, Adamawa State, police powers, human rights.