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Call for Urgent Action: Advocates Push for Swift Establishment of State Police Amid Rising Insecurity

The debate surrounding the establishment of state police in Nigeria is multifaceted, with proponents and critics presenting various arguments. Advocates argue that decentralized law enforcement would enable a more localized response to security threats, fostering community engagement and enhancing accountability. They highlight the potential for state police to adapt to diverse security challenges and allocate resources based on local needs. However, critics express concerns about the potential for abuse by state governors and the lack of uniform standards across states. They also raise questions about coordination challenges, financial implications, and the impact on federalism dynamics.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 22, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Call for Urgent Action: Advocates Push for Swift Establishment of State Police Amid Rising Insecurity

In the face of escalating violence and insecurity, advocates are intensifying calls for the swift establishment of state police as a crucial solution to address the worsening security situation in Nigeria. The urgent need for action has become increasingly evident as criminal activities, including abductions, killings, and acts of terrorism, continue to ravage communities across the country.

Recent events, such as the abduction of villagers in Kaduna State and the torching of buildings by terrorists in Katsina State, highlight the grave consequences of delayed action. With reports indicating that 2,371 Nigerians lost their lives in the first quarter of 2024, including 123 security agents, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.

Nigeria’s vulnerability to violence is underscored by its ranking as the 15th most fragile state in the 2023 Fragile States Index and the eighth most terrorized country in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index.

Growing Support for State Police Emerges as Violence Escalates Across Nigeria

Various factors, including Islamic terrorism, banditry, genocidal killings by Fulani herdsmen, and separatist activities by groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra, contribute to the ongoing unrest.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria continues to operate under a centralised police structure, a system that critics argue is inadequate and ineffective in addressing the diverse security needs of the population.

With only 371,000 police officers serving a population of 223 million citizens and a significant portion of them dedicated to protecting VIPs, the current policing system falls short of meeting the nation’s security demands.

Advocates for state police argue that decentralising law enforcement would better align with local needs and improve response times to security threats. While concerns about potential abuse of power by state governors have been raised, proponents emphasise the need for robust safeguards and accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse of authority.

Recent incidents, such as clashes between federal police teams during the attempted arrest of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, further underscore the dysfunction within the current centralised policing system. Advocates stress that establishing state police is not only a matter of necessity but also a step towards enhancing democratic governance and safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens.

As calls for the establishment of state police grow louder, stakeholders are urged to prioritise the issue and expedite the necessary legislative and administrative processes to ensure the timely implementation of this critical reform. Failure to act swiftly could exacerbate the security crisis and further endanger the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians across the country.

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