Police Distance Themselves From Delay In State Police Creation

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed suggestions that it is responsible for the slow pace in the establishment of state police across the country, emphasizing that the process remains a constitutional and legislative matter.

According to Ireporter Online, the clarification was made by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, during a stakeholders’ security meeting held in Awka, Anambra State. Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the police chief explained that the creation of state police can only be achieved through constitutional amendments approved by the National Assembly and state legislatures.

He noted that lawmakers are already working on the necessary legal procedures and urged Nigerians to remain patient as the process unfolds. The police leadership stressed that any amendment to the laws governing the Nigeria Police Force must first be passed by the National Assembly before receiving the endorsement of at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly.

While distancing the Force from any delay surrounding the initiative, the Inspector-General acknowledged that state police could significantly improve crime-fighting efforts and strengthen security across the federation.

He also underscored the need for stronger cooperation between security agencies and citizens, maintaining that effective policing cannot be achieved without active community involvement. Residents were encouraged to provide timely and credible intelligence on criminal activities to aid security agencies in responding swiftly to threats.

The police chief further stated that sustainable security at the grassroots level requires the collective participation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, business communities, and other relevant stakeholders.

Participants at the security meeting called on the Federal Government to expedite the process of establishing state police, arguing that decentralised policing would enhance security management and improve responses to local security challenges.

The development comes as President Bola Tinubu recently transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework. The proposed legislation aims to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal foundation for state-controlled police formations, a move that aligns with ongoing calls for constitutional reforms that would allow states to play a greater role in securing their territories.