In response to escalating violence, mass abductions, and security challenges across Nigeria, several state Houses of Assembly are moving towards the consideration of establishing state police. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s recent call for the National Assembly to legalize state police as part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing security.
Nigeria faces significant security issues, with violent banditry and terrorist attacks becoming increasingly prevalent. The country currently has fewer than 400,000 federal police officers tasked with policing over 200 million citizens, leaving many communities vulnerable to crime and violence. Experts have indicated that this lack of adequate policing contributes to the ongoing insecurity.
Last week, President Tinubu declared a security emergency and ordered the recruitment of additional personnel for the Police and Armed Forces. He urged the National Assembly to pass legislation enabling states to establish their own police forces where necessary. This proposal is part of the ongoing constitutional review process, which Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu noted would soon be presented to the 36 state assemblies for consideration.
In Plateau State, which has been severely affected by violence, the House of Assembly expressed its support for state police as a potential solution. Plateau Assembly Speaker Daniel Naalong has publicly urged the National Assembly to act quickly on this reform, emphasizing that while concerns about political misuse exist, the protection of human life must take precedence.
Other states, such as Sokoto, Borno, and Kaduna, have also indicated their readiness to consider state police. In Sokoto, lawmakers are prepared to prioritize any bill establishing state police, while the Borno State Assembly has stated it will act upon receiving the necessary legislation from the National Assembly. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has called for the immediate establishment of state police, highlighting the inadequacies of the current centralized policing system in addressing security needs.
Zamfara State, known for its significant banditry issues, plans to submit a state police bill to its Assembly soon. Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has expressed strong support for state police, noting the establishment of Community Protection Guards to assist existing security agencies.
Kano State’s House of Assembly is also set to begin discussions on the proposal when lawmakers reconvene in mid-December. However, it is important to note that, without a constitutional amendment, states cannot legally establish their own police forces.
As the situation develops, Nigerians are closely watching the National Assembly for the necessary legal framework that would allow states to create their own police forces and address the growing insecurity in the country.
