State Police Debate: Security Solution Or Political Weapon?

The proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria has continued to attract widespread reactions, with stakeholders divided over whether the initiative will strengthen security or create opportunities for political interference.

According to Ireporter Online, the idea of state police has been discussed in Nigeria for several years, but it gained renewed legislative attention between 2023 and 2026 due to growing concerns over insecurity across the country.

Nigeria’s policing history shows that the country operated a decentralised system at independence in 1960, with federal and regional police structures existing alongside Native Authority Local Police. However, the arrangement was scrapped after the 1966 military coup following allegations that regional governments exploited local police forces for political purposes.

After the military intervention, policing became fully centralised under the Federal Government, a structure that remained even after democracy returned in 1999.

The 1999 Constitution currently provides for a single Nigeria Police Force, with authority concentrated under the Inspector-General of Police. Although state governors are recognised as chief security officers within their states, they do not have operational control over police activities.

Amid worsening security challenges, calls for the creation of state police have increased, with supporters arguing that a decentralised system would enable faster responses to crimes and improve community policing.

The proposal received major legislative progress in 2026 after the House of Representatives passed a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow the establishment of state police. The Senate later approved its own version, proposing a dual policing arrangement involving a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.

The House reportedly recorded 289 votes in support of the bill, while only one lawmaker voted against it.

However, the proposal has triggered controversy, with critics expressing fears that state-controlled police forces could be used by governors to target political opponents and suppress opposition voices.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, argued that the implementation of state police should be postponed until after the 2027 general elections.

Obi said while state police could contribute to tackling insecurity, the timing of its introduction raised concerns over possible political manipulation during the election period.

He warned that without strong safeguards, state police could become a tool for influencing political activities and weakening opposition parties.

Senator Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, also raised concerns over the proposal, arguing that giving governors control over security forces could create excessive political power.

The lawmaker warned that state police could be used to intimidate opponents and escalate political disputes, citing past tensions in Kano State as an example of situations that could worsen under a state-controlled police structure.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also questioned whether state police alone would solve Nigeria’s insecurity challenges, stressing that social and economic issues such as unemployment and poverty must be addressed alongside security reforms.

Falana argued that increasing police structures without improving citizens’ living conditions would not provide a lasting solution to insecurity.

Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, also criticised the move, describing the timing of the state police proposal as politically influenced.

Dalung questioned why the reform was not introduced earlier despite years of security challenges and argued that the current framework being proposed may not significantly improve safety across the country.

He maintained that while state police may be desirable, introducing it without addressing existing security failures could create additional challenges.

Meanwhile, political analyst Jide Ojo argued that Nigeria urgently requires a more decentralised policing system but stressed the need for proper checks and balances to prevent abuse.

Ojo noted that the country’s large population, vast territory and limited number of security personnel have made it difficult for the existing federal policing structure to effectively protect all communities.

He pointed out that several rural areas lack adequate police presence, forcing residents to rely on local vigilantes who often lack the necessary equipment to confront heavily armed criminal groups.

According to him, state police should complement existing federal security agencies rather than replace them, adding that other security initiatives such as forest guards and community policing structures remain important.

Ojo further explained that implementing state police would require a lengthy process involving constitutional amendments, approval from state assemblies, recruitment, training, funding and the establishment of oversight institutions.

He stressed that strong institutions and an independent justice system would be essential to ensure that state police serves the interests of citizens rather than political actors.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the debate over state police continues to dominate national discussions, with supporters describing it as a necessary security reform and critics warning about possible misuse of power.