Abuja, Nigeria — A major debate has emerged across Nigeria regarding the necessity of establishing state police forces to combat the country’s growing security crisis. While many governors believe that localizing the police force is the only way to effectively tackle kidnapping and banditry, others fear that such a system could be used by politicians to silence their opponents.
In the North, where security challenges are most acute, states like Kaduna and Plateau are already preparing. Plateau State has recruited 1,400 operatives, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang declaring that “the time for the creation of state police is now.” In Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf has deployed 2,000 neighborhood watch personnel, stating that the move is professionalizing local security.
However, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, remains a vocal critic. He warned that “Nigeria is not mature for state police,” suggesting that some governors might use the power to “wipe away other tribes.” Similar fears of political intimidation have been echoed in Sokoto State.
In the Southern regions, the push is even stronger. States in the South-West have already used the “Amotekun” security corps as a model, while South-South states like Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom have established community safety corps. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the transition as “non-negotiable” for the safety of the people.
Despite the enthusiasm, constitutional hurdles remain. Kole Omololu, a leader of the Afenifere group, explained that President Bola Tinubu cannot create these forces by himself. He noted that the President “cannot, by executive fiat, create state police” because it requires a constitutional amendment supported by two-thirds of the National Assembly and 24 state assemblies.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, is currently leading a committee to review the constitution. He acknowledged the public’s fears of police abuse and promised that the new framework would include strict measures for accountability. Security experts agree that while the change is inevitable due to Nigeria’s size, the “only fear… is abuse by political office holders,” as noted by former official Braimah Nasiru. The nation now waits to see if the political will exists to finalize these reforms.