Nigerian Governors Split Over Proposal for State Police Forces

Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is witnessing growing debate over the creation of state-level police forces as leaders and lawmakers weigh the potential benefits against risks of misuse. The proposal aims to decentralize law enforcement to improve security amid ongoing challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.

Support for the initiative varies. Some governors, including Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, argue that local control allows for quicker responses to threats. “The time for the creation of state police is now,” said Mutfwang, stressing the need for security managed at the community level.

In the north, responses differ. Kaduna State has trained more than 300 personnel for its local vigilance service, while Kano State has deployed over 2,000 residents in a neighborhood watch program. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano said, “It makes us safer… we are professionalizing our community security approach.” In contrast, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum opposed the plan, warning that some leaders might use state police to target political opponents or ethnic groups. “Honestly speaking… I will not support it. Nigeria is not mature for state police,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed support for state policing, and the Nigeria Police Force’s Inspector General, Olatunji Disu, has set up a committee to draft an implementation framework. For the change to take effect, the National Assembly must amend the 1999 Constitution, a process requiring approval from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies.

Kole Omololu, National Organizing Secretary of Afenifere, a major Yoruba socio-cultural group, stressed that the President cannot act alone. “The burden of expedition lies more with the legislature than with the Executive,” he said, adding that policing is currently a federal responsibility and cannot be changed by executive order.

In the south, local security initiatives already exist. The “Amotekun” corps in the southwest and community watch groups in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom support federal agencies. However, experts like environmentalist Alagoa Morris cautioned that “this clime is not yet matured,” raising concerns that state-controlled police could be misused for political repression.

Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President from Kano North, recently met with a committee led by Professor Olu Ogunsakin to discuss safeguards. He assured Nigerians that the constitutional review would aim to create “a robust public safety mechanism” that protects all citizens regardless of political affiliation.