Today, President Bola Tinubu in company of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House met with the 36 States Governors and the FCT Minister. He informed the Governors that the Federal Government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender state police instead of the vigilantes that are being used in some states and that
modalities for State Police and addressing security issues to be discussed further at National Economic Council.
The proposal for state police in Nigeria has sparked a robust debate, reflecting deep concerns about the nation’s security infrastructure’s effectiveness and the broader implications for governance and democracy. Proponents argue that state police could offer more localized, responsive policing strategies tailored to the unique challenges of Nigeria’s diverse states. However, a thorough examination reveals significant apprehensions that question the advisability of such a shift, particularly given Nigeria’s complex political and socio-economic landscape.
Expanding the argument against the formation of state police forces in Nigeria involves considering broader socio-political dynamics, historical precedents, comparative international experiences, and potential pathways for reforming national security architecture without fragmenting it through decentralization.
One of the most compelling arguments against the formation of state police centers on the potential for abuse by state governors. Governors might exploit state police forces as personal militias to suppress opposition, manipulate elections, and entrench their power, effectively undermining democratic norms and principles. This fear is not unfounded; it echoes past scenarios where police forces were instrumentalized for political gains, suggesting a risk of repeating such abuses at a state level.
Historically, the use of police forces for political ends has not been uncommon in various parts of the world, including Nigeria. The fears related to state police in Nigeria echo concerns seen in other federations where sub-national policing has led to uneven enforcement of the law, misuse of power, and challenges to national cohesion. Comparative analysis with countries that have successful models of decentralized policing, such as the United States and Canada, reveals a critical need for robust checks and balances, clear jurisdictional boundaries, and strong democratic institutions to mitigate the risks associated with state or local policing powers. The key difference lies in the institutional frameworks and democratic maturity that underpin policing in these countries, which may not be fully replicable in Nigeria’s current political environment.
The socio-political landscape of Nigeria is marked by ethnic diversity, regional disparities, and historical tensions, which complicate the decentralization of policing powers. The potential for state police to exacerbate ethnic tensions, particularly in areas prone to communal conflicts, raises significant concerns. Furthermore, the politicization of policing could deepen regional inequalities, as wealthier states might develop more sophisticated policing capabilities, leaving poorer regions vulnerable. This scenario could undermine national security and widen the gap between different parts of the country
The financial feasibility of state police forces should be a matter of critical concern. We are talking of states where governors are mismanagers who can’t even pay salaries and pensions on time and divert government funds for frivolous activities. The financial burden of establishing, equipping, and maintaining state police could prove onerous for many of Nigeria’s states, potentially leading to underfunded, ineffectual police forces that exacerbate rather than ameliorate security issues.
If the NPF could transform their Special Protection Unit into a private sector bodyguard service, they would likely be adequately funded to perform their duties optimally.
The SPU’s value is estimated to be well over a trillion naira annually. However, due to poor organization, only a small fraction of the potential revenue is captured, often ending up in the wrong hands, almost literally.it seems logical to direct the substantial revenue generated from protective services toward improving police equipment and training through creative and strategic initiatives.
It seems logical to direct the substantial revenue generated from protective services toward improving police equipment and training through creative and strategic initiatives.
Furthermore, the centralized structure of Nigeria’s current policing system, while flawed, is grounded in a constitutional framework designed to maintain a unified national approach to law enforcement. Critics of state police argue that the current system’s problems stem more from systemic mismanagement, corruption, and underfunding rather than its centralized nature. They advocate for comprehensive reforms to the existing federal police structure to address these challenges head-on, rather than potentially fracturing the country’s law enforcement capabilities through decentralization.
In light of these considerations, the debate on state police in Nigeria reflects broader questions about federalism, governance, and security in a diverse, populous nation. While the call for decentralization reflects legitimate frustrations with the status quo, the potential risks of state police suggest that careful, comprehensive reforms to the existing national police force, alongside broader governance reforms, might offer a more effective path toward enhancing security, justice, and democracy in Nigeria.
Instead of moving towards state police, Nigeria could explore alternative pathways for reforming its national police force. These could include:
a. Enhanced Community Policing:
Strengthening community policing initiatives could improve trust and cooperation between the police and local communities, making law enforcement more effective and responsive to local needs.
b. National Police Reform:
Comprehensive reforms focused on training, accountability, resource allocation, and human rights could address many of the systemic issues facing the Nigerian police force.
c. Regional Cooperation:
Establishing mechanisms for regional cooperation among states could allow for pooling of resources and coordination in addressing cross-border security challenges without fragmenting national security architecture.
In sum, the debate over state police in Nigeria is definitely complex, touching on issues of governance, regional equity, national unity, and democratic integrity. While the call for decentralization reflects legitimate grievances with the status quo, the potential risks and challenges suggest that a cautious, deliberate approach is needed. By learning from both historical experiences and comparative international examples, Nigeria can explore alternative reforms that enhance security while preserving national cohesion and democratic governance.
Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment