Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is a federation composed of the federal capital and 19 states. The police are the primary force responsible for the maintenance of law and order and for the detection and prevention of crime. The police force is organized similarly to the British police trained to British standards, and generally tries to conform to British standards in its operations. The fact that the Force is financed and controlled by the federal government has been seen by some as a potential cause of conflict, but these fears have proved to be unfounded. In fact, the steadfastness of the centrally controlled force has been instrumental in holding the country together during times of tension and uncertainty. The article also explores the police force's recruitment, training, and career field patterns; its apparatus and tools for executing its operational functions; and the basis for police power to search and seize persons and property, to detain suspects, and to use firearms to effect arrests are also explored. Footnotes which include references are included.