US Lawmaker Backs State Police For Nigeria — Debate Ignites

A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has advocated for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing structure, urging authorities to empower state governments to address the country’s growing security concerns. His position was conveyed in a statement shared on Wednesday, where he called for urgent action to safeguard citizens, particularly in the volatile Middle Belt region.

According to reports from Ireporter Online, the lawmaker raised alarm over the persistent wave of violence affecting communities across Nigeria, emphasizing the need for comprehensive structural reforms within the nation’s security framework. He argued that granting states control over their own police systems would significantly improve response times to emerging threats and enhance local security management.

Moore also highlighted ongoing attacks on Christian communities, condemning what he described as sustained violence and destruction. He referenced a recent incident involving the demolition of a church in Taraba State, further underscoring his concerns about insecurity and religiously motivated attacks.

His remarks reflect increasing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, alongside growing advocacy for reforms that would enable sub-national governments to take a more active role in maintaining law and order.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is reportedly advancing efforts toward the establishment of state police as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, recently inaugurated an eight-member committee tasked with facilitating the implementation of state policing. The committee is expected to design a workable framework and oversee its execution in alignment with ongoing reform initiatives.

In the same vein, President Bola Tinubu has urged the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to commence constitutional amendments that would enable the creation of state police. He maintained that decentralising policing powers is critical to reclaiming ungoverned spaces and effectively combating terrorism nationwide.