This study examined the perspectives of rural women on policing and insecurity in Gwer West, Benue State, Nigeria. Rural communities in Nigeria, particularly women, face significant security challenges due to communal conflicts, inadequate policing, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research investigated rural women’s perceptions of police effectiveness and responsiveness; identified key insecurity challenges affecting their daily lives; explored their interactions with law enforcement in crime prevention, and assessed socio-economic and infrastructural factors influencing their trust in police services. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to 300 rural women and supplemented by in-depth interviews with community leaders and police personnel.

Findings revealed that rural women generally perceive police services as inadequate and unresponsive to their specific security needs, with limited participation in community policing initiatives. Persistent insecurity, compounded by poverty and infrastructural deficits, severely disrupts women’s livelihoods and undermines their confidence in law enforcement. The study underscored the necessity for gender-sensitive, community-oriented policing strategies that actively engage rural women and address the root causes of insecurity. Recommendations included enhancing police presence in rural areas, promoting women’s inclusion in security governance, and improving socio-economic conditions to foster sustainable peace and security in Gwer West.