Rising Insecurity: Group Renews Call for State Police in Nigeria
A civic group has renewed calls for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, warning that the country’s worsening security situation demands urgent structural reforms.
The group argued that the current centralized policing system is overstretched and unable to effectively tackle the growing threats of banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes across various parts of the country. It stressed that decentralizing policing would improve intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response to security challenges.
According to the group, state police would empower local authorities who possess a better understanding of the terrain and security dynamics within their communities. This, they noted, would strengthen coordination and ensure quicker intervention during emergencies.
The renewed advocacy comes amid rising concerns over persistent insecurity, with many communities facing frequent attacks and abductions. Stakeholders believe that relying solely on federal security agencies has proven inadequate in addressing the scale of the crisis.
The group further urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to prioritize the necessary constitutional and legislative steps required to establish state police without delay.
However, the proposal continues to spark debate among stakeholders. While supporters see it as a critical solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, critics caution that it could be misused by state governments for political purposes if not properly regulated.
Despite the differing views, the group insisted that decisive action is needed to restore public confidence and strengthen the country’s security framework.
