The campaign for the establishment of state police in Nigeria has gained renewed momentum following endorsements from major socio-cultural groups, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF).
The debate over state police has persisted for decades, with proponents arguing that the centralised Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and unable to effectively police the country’s growing population, while critics warn of potential abuse by state governors.
The issue gained fresh attention after President Bola Tinubu met with state governors in Abuja on February 15, 2024, where the possibility of creating state police was discussed. The State Police Constitution Alteration Bill is currently before the National Assembly and is among 44 harmonised bills awaiting consideration by the Senate and House of Representatives. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the bills before forwarding them to state Houses of Assembly.
In separate interviews with DAILY POST, the three organisations expressed support for state police, citing Nigeria’s worsening security situation, but stressed the need for strong legal safeguards to prevent misuse.
The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said Nigeria is mature enough to establish state police, dismissing fears of abuse as insufficient grounds to oppose the initiative.
Ajayi argued that governors cannot effectively function as chief security officers of their states without having security apparatus under their control. He, however, recommended the inclusion of strict legal provisions to prevent politicisation.
Afenifere also urged the Federal Government to identify and prosecute sponsors of terrorism, warning that insecurity would persist unless those financing criminal activities are held accountable.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, also backed state police but raised concerns about possible political misuse.
He warned that without comprehensive police reforms and clear checks on governors’ powers, state police could be used for electoral manipulation. Isiguzoro stressed that the National Assembly must establish strong oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure the system strengthens democracy rather than undermines it.
President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, said Nigeria’s diverse security challenges require localised solutions that a centralised police structure struggles to provide.
According to him, state police would enhance community trust, improve intelligence gathering and allow security agencies to respond more effectively to regional threats. He noted that similar decentralised policing systems operate successfully in countries such as the United States, Canada and Germany.
However, Yerima emphasised that the creation of state police must be accompanied by a strong accountability framework, including independent oversight bodies, clear operational guidelines and strict regulations on recruitment and use of force.
He added that the federal government must define the powers and limitations of state police to ensure respect for citizens’ rights and adherence to democratic principles.
