Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to renewed calls for the establishment of state police, with some citizens arguing that decentralising policing could improve local security while others warn of possible political misuse.
The debate has resurfaced following renewed discussions on state policing as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Supporters of the proposal say state police would allow security personnel to better understand local communities and respond more effectively to crime.
A lecturer at Imo State University, Dr. Bernard Okoro, said officers recruited within the states where they serve would have better knowledge of the terrain and local dynamics.
“Deploying officers to regions they are unfamiliar with may limit their efficiency, while recruiting personnel from within the state where they will serve could enhance security and responsiveness,” he told RBN.
Okoro acknowledged concerns that state governors could misuse such structures but said these fears could be addressed through proper regulations and oversight mechanisms.
He also expressed support for regional security initiatives similar to the Western Nigeria Security Network operating in parts of the South-West, noting that similar models could be replicated across other regions to strengthen grassroots security efforts.
A commercial driver in Abuja, Christian Uwakwe, also backed the creation of state police, describing it as a necessary step to improve security across the country.
According to him, locally recruited officers would better understand the communities they serve and respond faster to emerging security threats.
He also called for stronger cooperation among neighbouring states to help track criminals who move across state borders, noting that such collaboration could complement the work of the Nigeria Police Force.
Critics Warn of Political Abuse
However, some Nigerians remain sceptical about the proposal.
An Imo State indigene and Abuja resident, Igwe Ikechukwu, argued that broader governance issues such as corruption and weak institutions must be addressed before introducing new policing structures.
“Whatever we’re suffering with the existing policing institution in Nigeria is still going to affect us in whatever new structure we create,” he said.
He added that leadership failures and corruption within public institutions should first be tackled before embarking on reforms such as state policing.
Similarly, Usman Okoliko and Yusuf Daniel from Kogi State called for strengthening the existing policing system rather than establishing new structures.
According to them, recruiting more personnel and improving resources for the current security architecture could help bridge security gaps across the country.
They also expressed concern that state governors could hijack state police for political purposes.
Security Concerns Persist
For Samuel Nathaniel, a resident of Kaduna State, the rising activities of bandits have made life increasingly difficult for many citizens.
He said additional security structures could help tackle the problem if properly coordinated with existing forces.
According to him, state police working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and the armed forces could increase pressure on criminal groups and help curb their activities.
However, he noted that the risks involved in security operations, particularly with increasing attacks on trained personnel, could discourage young people from joining the service.
On his part, Michael Samuel from Kogi State urged the federal and state governments to work together to ensure the successful establishment and stability of any new policing structure.
“Locally based policing would enable officers to better understand the terrain and communities within their states, making it easier to access remote areas and respond effectively to security challenges,” he said.
While opinions remain divided, many Nigerians agree that strengthening the country’s policing system will be critical to addressing the nation’s growing security challenges.
Report by Godwin Igber