Abuja, Nigeria — The debate regarding the establishment of decentralized law enforcement has gained significant momentum across Nigeria as regional leaders and federal lawmakers weigh the benefits of local policing against the risks of political misuse. The push for a shift away from the current centralized system comes as the country continues to face persistent security challenges, including insurgencies and kidnapping.
While many state leaders have expressed strong support for the move, others have raised alarms about the potential for abuse of power. Governors from various regions, including Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State in the southwest and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State in the north-central region, argue that local control is essential for a faster response to threats. Caleb Mutfwang stated that “the time for the creation of state police is now,” emphasizing that security is most effective when managed at the community level.
In the northern part of the country, which has been severely impacted by banditry, the response is mixed. Kaduna State has already moved forward by training over 300 personnel for its local vigilance service. Similarly, Kano State has deployed more than 2,000 individuals under a neighborhood watch program. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State noted that “it makes us safer… we are professionalising our community security approach.” Conversely, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, voiced strong opposition, stating, “Honestly speaking… I will not support it. Nigeria is not mature for state police.” He expressed concern that some leaders might use such forces to oppress opposing ethnic groups or political rivals.
President Bola Tinubu has signaled his support for the transition to help stabilize the nation. To support this vision, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who leads the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), recently formed a committee to draft a framework for the implementation of state-level policing. Okay News reports that for this change to become law, the National Assembly (NASS), which is Nigeria’s bicameral legislature, must amend the 1999 Constitution. This process requires the approval of at least 24 out of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The National Organizing Secretary of Afenifere, a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Kole Omololu, clarified that the President cannot implement this change alone. He noted that “the burden of expedition lies more with the legislature than with the Executive,” because policing is currently a federal responsibility. He added that the President “cannot, by executive fiat, create state police.”
In the southern regions, structures like the “Amotekun” corps in the southwest have already provided a foundation for local security. Meanwhile, in the South-South region, states like Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom have launched community watch groups to support federal agencies. Despite this progress, experts like environmentalist Alagoa Morris warned that “this clime is not yet matured,” citing fears that state-controlled police could become tools for political repression.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who represents the Kano North district, recently met with a committee headed by Professor Olu Ogunsakin to discuss safeguards. Senator Jibrin assured the public that the constitutional review process would address fears of abuse, aiming to create a “robust public safety mechanism” that protects all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
