By Stephen Simon
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to commence the process of amending the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.
The President said the current centralized policing structure has become increasingly overstretched in the face of rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes across different parts of the country. He stressed that a decentralized policing system would enhance intelligence gathering and improve response to security threats at the grassroots.
Tinubu noted that state police would complement the operations of the Nigeria Police Force rather than replace it, arguing that governors and local communities are better positioned to identify emerging security concerns within their jurisdictions.
He, however, acknowledged concerns over the possible abuse of state police by political office holders, assuring that adequate constitutional safeguards, operational guidelines and oversight mechanisms would be put in place to prevent misuse and protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
The President urged lawmakers to give the constitutional amendment the urgency it deserves, describing the proposed reform as a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture and protecting lives and property.
Security experts and stakeholders have continued to express divergent views on the proposal. While supporters believe state police will improve community policing and reduce crime, critics insist that stronger institutional checks are needed to prevent political interference and ensure professionalism.
The renewed push for state police comes amid sustained calls by governors, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and security analysts for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s policing system as the country confronts evolving security threats nationwide.
