The debate over the establishment of state police in Nigeria has reached a new level of urgency as citizens and leaders alike push for a reform to address pressing issues of insecurity, local accountability, and effective law enforcement. With rising concerns about terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and other crimes, the call to decentralise policing is seen by many as a necessary step toward a safer, more responsive Nigeria. Advocates for state police argue that it will allow communities to take control of their security and build a police force that understands the unique needs of each region. However, the proposal is met with concerns about abuse of power, funding, and political misuse. As Nigeria considers this significant shift, it is essential to examine both the potential benefits and challenges that are ahead.
The Push for State Police: Local challenges, local solutions
Currently, policing in Nigeria is centralised under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which is overseen by the federal government. Although the NPF operates across the country, critics argue that a centralised structure has failed to respond adequately to regional crime patterns and local security threats. In areas where insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping are rampant, communities often feel abandoned by the federal structure, leading to a breakdown of trust in the police. One of the central arguments for state police is that local forces will be more familiar with the unique secu- rity dynamics of their communities, allowing them to act more swiftly and effectively. A state police system could mean that officers are recruited from their own states, creating a force that understands local languages, cultures, and geography. For instance, in the Northern states, where there are persistent threats from Boko Haram and other insurgent groups, a localised force might be better equipped to gather intelligence and navigate complex social dynamics. Similarly, states in the South dealing with oil theft and kidnapping could benefit from a police force that is specialised to address these specific challenges.
Key Benefits of State Police System
Community Trust and Accountability:
When law enforcement is local, it allows citizens to have a more direct line to accountability. Officers in a state police force are likely to have closer relationships with the communities they serve, which could foster trust and cooperation. Community members might be more willing to report crimes, provide information, and work with the police if they feel they are working with locals who have a stake in their well-being.
Faster Response to Crime:
A state police system could respond more quickly to incidents, as they would not need to await directives from the federal government or resources from a central command. Each state would have its own chain of command, making it easier to coordinate responses to regional issues and deploy officers more efficiently.
Job Creation and Economic Impact:
Establishing state police forces could create a large number of jobs, offering employment for young Nigerians and reducing the unemployment rate, which is often a driver of crime in itself. Additionally, a more effective po- lice system could create a more stable environment, attracting investment and spurring economic growth.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite the potential benefits, many Nigerians are cautious about creating state police. Key concerns include the risk of political misuse, funding challenges, and fears of abuse of power by local authorities.
Political Exploitation and Abuse of Power:
A primary concern is that state police forces could be manipulated by governors or local politicians to suppress opposition or settle political scores. Critics argue that in a country with high levels of political tension, creating state-controlled forces could exacerbate divisions or lead to human rights abuses. Funding and Resource Constraints: Establishing and maintaining a state police force requires significant financial resources. Nigeria already faces budgetary constraints, and many states may struggle to sustain their police forces adequately. Poor funding could lead to a lack of training, poor equipment, and low morale, ultimately undermining the effectiveness of the new system.
Coordination with Federal Forces:
If each state were to control its own police force, it raises questions about how they would coordinate with the federal police, military, and other security agencies. There are fears that this could lead to conflicts over jurisdiction, causing confusion and undermining overall security efforts.
Learning from International Models:
Decentralised Policing Worldwide
Several countries around the world operate with decentralised police systems. For instance, the United States has city, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, allowing local jurisdictions to address unique security concerns while coordinating with federal forces when necessary. Similarly, South Africa operates under a provin- cial policing structure, with local authorities working alongside national police. These examples show that decentralised policing can be effective, but only if adequate checks and balances are in place. Nigeria can look to these models to design a system that allows for local control while also ensuring transparency and accountability.
A Path Forward: Building Balanced State Police System
As the discussion around state police continues, many experts suggest a phased approach. Some propose beginning with pilot programmes in select states to test the feasibility and address logistical challenges. Others recommend that each state police force should be subject to oversight by an independent body to prevent abuse and ensure that officers act within the law. Furthermore, any state police force must be properly funded and trained, with officers equipped to address issues like human rights, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques. Establishing clear standards for recruitment, training, and accountability could prevent political interference and reduce the risk of abuse.
Here’s a look at some of the perspectives Nigerian experts bring to the conversation:
Justice Ayo Salami
Late Justice Ayo Salami, also supported state police, but with caution. He believed it’s essential for Nigerian states to have more control over their security, given the increasing crime rates and federal police overstretch. However, Justice Salami warned that without sufficient training and strong accountability frameworks, state police could be prone to abuse. He suggested that any move toward state policing should include rigorous training programmes focused on human rights, as well as mechanisms to ensure police conduct is closely monitored.
Femi Falana
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has been one of the prominent voices advocating for the estab- lishment of state police as a means to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Falana argued that a centralised police force is inadequate for address- ing the diverse and localised security needs of Nigeria’s states. Falana has repeatedly emphasised that a centralised policing system, such as Nigeria’s, is “unsuitable” for a feder- al system of government. He pointed out that Nigeria’s constitution already allows states to have significant legislative powers over issues affecting their regions, yet they lack control over law enforcement to effectively carry out these responsibilities. Falana argued that giving states the power to establish their own police forces would allow local authorities to address security issues more directly and efficiently. In his view, state police will not only reduce response times but also enhance the gathering of local intelligence, which is critical for tackling crimes specific to each region. He notes that local forces will better understand regional cultures, languages, and social dynamics, making them more effective at maintaining peace. Falana frequently points to the historical precedent of regional police forces in Nigeria. Before the consolidation of the police under federal control in 1966, Nigeria’s regions maintained their own police forces. Falana argued that reverting to a decentralised police model could help address many of the current issues within the centralised system, such as inefficiencies and over- stretching of resources. Additionally, Falana highlighted that many other federal systems worldwide, including the United States, operate with decentralised policing, which he sees as a best practice Nigeria should consider. He argued that the right to security is a fundamental right, and that by empowering states to enforce their laws, Nigeria can better protect this right.
Dr. Uche Igwe – Political Scientist
Political scientist Dr. Uche Igwe holds a more cautious opinion on state police, expressing concerns about Nigeria’s current political environment. He argued that in states with strong political patronage networks, there’s a significant risk of local police forces being misused. “In a country where many politicians have strong local followings, state police could end up being used as private enforcers,” he cautions. Igwe proposes a phased approach, where state policing is initially tested in a few states with additional federal oversight to evaluate effectiveness and guard against misuse.
Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State
Former governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State is one of the most vocal political figures advocating for state police, often citing the urgent security challenges facing Kaduna state. El-Rufai argues that the inability of the federal police to address local issues swiftly is a major impediment to effective security. He believes state police will strengthen Nigeria’s overall security infrastructure, allowing states to hire and train officers who understand local dynamics. How- ever, he acknowledges that for the state police system to work, each state must commit to funding and maintaining the force responsibly.
Conclusion
The establishment of state police in Nigeria has the potential to reshape the country’s security landscape, empowering local communities to address their own safety needs. By decentralising law enforcement, Nigeria could achieve a more respon- sive, community-centered approach to policing. However, the challenges are complex, and ensuring that state police are effective, accountable, and adequately funded will require a carefully designed framework. As Nigerians continue to advocate for local control and accountability in security matters, the movement for state police reflects a growing desire for a system that serves the people more directly and reflects the unique needs of each state. The coming years will be critical as Nigeria decides whether to embark on this transformative journey toward localised law enforcement.
