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IGP Egbetokun Opposes State Police, Advocates Alternative Approach

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, asserts opposition to state police, citing risks of abuse and ethnic tensions. He proposes merging NSCDC and FRSC within Nigeria Police Force, advocating for staffing and budgetary enhancements instead.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 22, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

IGP Egbetokun Opposes State Police, Advocates Alternative Approach

In a recent statement, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun expressed his stance against establishing state police in Nigeria. Speaking at a one-day dialogue on state policing, Egbetokun, represented by AIG Ben Okolo, highlighted several concerns regarding the feasibility and potential risks associated with state police implementation.

Egbetokun emphasised that Nigeria is not yet ready for state police, citing the likelihood of some state governors abusing power for political gains. He underscored the importance of safeguarding human rights and preventing the potential misuse of law enforcement agencies for partisan interests.

Financial constraints were also highlighted as a significant obstacle to establishing state police. Egbetokun pointed out that the government may lack adequate funds to support creating and maintaining state-level policing structures.

Additionally, Egbetokun expressed concerns about the potential for increased ethnic tensions and divided loyalty within states if state police were to be implemented. These factors, he argued, could exacerbate existing social and political dynamics, posing further challenges to national unity and stability.

In lieu of state police, Egbetokun proposed an alternative approach, suggesting merging the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to form a department within the Nigeria Police Force. He believes this would streamline resources and enhance coordination within the law enforcement sector.

Furthermore, Egbetokun emphasised the need for the Nigeria Police Force to address staffing shortages and modernise its operations to meet international standards. He advocated for recruiting 30,000 police personnel annually to fulfil UN requirements for effective policing and urged increasing the force’s annual budgetary allocation to support these efforts.

In considering Egbetokun’s arguments, it’s essential to recognise his valid concerns regarding the potential challenges and risks associated with implementing state police. While decentralisation of law enforcement may benefit localized response and community engagement, careful consideration must be given to address issues such as accountability, funding, and potential misuse of power.

Ultimately, policymakers must balance the need for effective policing at the state level with the imperative to uphold national unity and security. Collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders will be crucial in charting a path that addresses all parties’ diverse needs and concerns.

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