By; Dr. David Chiedozie Nwaenyi
The debate over the establishment of State Police in Nigeria has gained significant momentum in recent months as President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration seek solutions to the country’s growing security challenges. Nigeria currently operates a centralized policing system under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), established pursuant to Sections 214 and 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Under this arrangement, policing is exclusively controlled by the Federal Government, with operational command vested in the Inspector-General (IG) of Police.
While the centralized system was designed to promote national unity and prevent abuse of police powers by regional authorities, the realities of today have exposed significant limitations. Rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, communal conflicts, agelong farmer-herder clashes, and other forms of criminality have stretched the capacity of the federal police beyond its limits. With a population exceeding 230 million people and a police-to-citizen ratio below international recommendations, concerns have intensified regarding the effectiveness of the existing policing structure.
As one of the advocates of the State Police, I am aware that security challenges are often local in nature and therefore require local solutions. I strongly opine that governors, who are constitutionally designated as Chief Security Officers of their states, should possess operational control over security institutions capable of responding swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions. Consequently, the Bill seeking for the establishment of State Police has emerged as one of the most significant constitutional reform issues in Nigeria’s democratic development.
As one who participated in the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review at Enugu – wherein the state police 👮 Bill was robustly debated, and with the deeper understanding of the intents of the proposed law, i strongly support the state police.
State police will improved local intelligence and faster response to crime, when/if created. This is because, one of the greatest advantages of State Police is its capacity to utilize local knowledge and intelligence in combating crime. Security threats often originate within communities, making familiarity with local languages, cultures, terrain, and social dynamics critical to effective policing.
State Police officers recruited from their respective states would possess a deeper understanding of local environments and criminal patterns. This local intelligence would facilitate quicker identification of security threats, more effective crime prevention strategies, and faster responses to emergencies.
Unlike the current centralized system, where operational decisions may require authorization from distant command structures, State Police would significantly reduce bureaucratic delays and enable immediate intervention when security incidents occur.
Further, the establishment of state police will enhance community policing and public trust as effective policing in several parts of the world depends heavily on public cooperation. Citizens are more likely to provide useful information and collaborate with security agencies when they trust them and perceive them as part of their communities.
State Police would strengthen community policing by bringing law enforcement closer to the people. Officers familiar with local customs, traditions, and community leaders would be better positioned to build relationships and gain public confidence.
Such proximity would encourage information sharing, improve crime detection, and create a sense of shared responsibility for community security. By promoting stronger police-citizen relations, State Police can help bridge the trust deficit that often exists between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Again, the establishment of state police will bring the decongestion of Federal Security Responsibilities as the Nigeria Police Force currently bears the enormous responsibility of policing all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory. This concentration of responsibilities has placed considerable pressure on federal security institutions.
State Police would allow for a more decentralized security architecture, enabling federal police agencies to focus on national security concerns such as terrorism, transnational crimes, cybercrime, border security, organized criminal networks, and threats to national sovereignty.
By sharing policing responsibilities between federal and state authorities in Nigeria, resources can be deployed more efficiently, operational effectiveness can improve, and security coverage across the country can become more comprehensive.
The growing demand for State Police from the public and the presidency reflects Nigeria’s search for innovative and sustainable solutions to its present complex security challenges. While concerns regarding political abuse, funding, and accountability remain valid and must be addressed through constitutional safeguards, the potential benefits of State Police are substantial.
Improved local intelligence, stronger community engagement, and the decentralization of security responsibilities represent compelling advantages that could significantly enhance public safety and national security. If properly structured with robust oversight mechanisms, the State Police may become a transformative instrument for strengthening Nigeria’s federal system and improving the security of lives and property across the country.
~ Hon. David Chiedozie Nwaenyi, Ph.D.
(Legislative Expert | Public Policy Analyst | Governance and Security Researcher)
