The long-running agitation for the creation of state police in Nigeria gained fresh momentum over the weekend as leading socio-cultural groups across the country—Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Arewa youth organisations—publicly threw their weight behind the proposal.

For several decades, the question of whether Nigeria should decentralise policing has generated heated national debate, largely driven by concerns over possible politicisation and misuse of power by state governors.

PulseNets learnt that the issue took centre stage on February 15, 2024, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with state governors in Abuja to deliberate extensively on the prospects of establishing state police structures across the federation.

While the engagement raised hopes among Nigerians who believe decentralised policing could help tackle the country’s deepening insecurity, other stakeholders cautioned that Nigeria may not yet be prepared for such a system, warning of potential abuse by state executives.

Advocates of reform have consistently argued that the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force is overstretched, under-resourced and incapable of effectively policing a population of over 230 million people across diverse and challenging terrains. Critics, however, fear that governors could weaponise local police commands for political intimidation, particularly during elections.

PulseNets obtained that the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill, currently before both chambers of the National Assembly, is among 44 harmonised constitutional amendment bills awaiting consideration by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Legislative sources reported that voting on the bills could take place this week, after which they would be transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for further action.

In separate engagements with PulseNets, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Arewa youth leaders expressed optimism that state police would strengthen internal security and help curb the persistent violence that has plagued the country for over a decade.

Afenifere endorses state police, urges action against terrorism sponsors

Speaking with PulseNets, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, dismissed fears surrounding the initiative, insisting that Nigeria is ready for state police.

According to him, “the country has reached a point where decentralised policing is no longer optional. Nigeria is mature enough to operate state police if the right safeguards are put in place.”

Ajayi argued that apprehensions about possible abuse by governors should not override the urgent need for reform, stressing that governors cannot effectively function as chief security officers without having adequate security apparatus under their control.

He advised that strong legal provisions must be embedded in the enabling law to prevent political interference or outright abuse of state police formations.

Beyond the policing debate, Afenifere also called on the Federal Government to go after the financiers and sponsors of terrorism.

Ajayi warned that “terrorism has grown into a monster whose next point of attack cannot be predicted. This level of devastation would not have been possible without backing from powerful individuals.”

He added that focusing solely on foot soldiers arrested in forests and hideouts would not end the crisis, noting that “without funding, protection and endorsement from influential figures, bandits would not have sustained these crimes for so long.”

Commending the National Assembly, Ajayi applauded lawmakers for pushing the executive to name and prosecute sponsors of banditry and for strengthening terrorism laws.

According to him, “given the scale of destruction, loss of lives and ruined communities, the move to stiffen terrorism laws, including capital punishment without the option of fines, is justified. Those found guilty of such crimes deserve no leniency.”

State police could be misused politically — Ohanaeze warns

On his part, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, acknowledged that state police may be inevitable due to rising killings and violent crimes, but warned of potential political manipulation.

Isiguzoro told PulseNets that without comprehensive police reforms by the National Assembly to limit the powers of governors, state police could become tools for electoral misconduct.

He cautioned that “if robust safeguards are not enacted, state police formations may evolve into instruments of election rigging and political intimidation.”

Referencing governance practices at the subnational level, Isiguzoro said attempts by some governors to undermine local government autonomy reflected a troubling disregard for constitutional order.

According to him, “unless meaningful reforms are urgently implemented, certain governors—particularly in the North—could exploit state police structures to influence electoral outcomes, including attempts to challenge President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.”

He lamented that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity has significantly damaged the country’s global image and stressed the need for vigilant legislative oversight to ensure state police serve public safety rather than political interests.

Arewa youths support state police, demand strict oversight

The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Shettima Yerima, also backed the creation of state police, citing Nigeria’s complex and region-specific security challenges.

In an interview PulseNets obtained, Yerima said insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and communal conflicts in the Middle Belt require tailored security responses that a centralised police system often struggles to deliver.

He explained that “state police would allow security strategies to be designed around local realities. Officers drawn from the communities they serve understand the terrain, culture and dynamics better.”

Yerima added that localised policing could significantly improve trust between citizens and law enforcement.

According to him, “when people see familiar faces in uniform—individuals who understand their language and customs—they are more willing to cooperate, share intelligence and report crimes. That trust is essential for sustainable security.”

He further noted that decentralised policing aligns with global best practices, citing countries such as the United States, Canada and Germany, where regional policing systems address local security needs more effectively.

Shettima stated that “Nigeria’s diversity makes a one-size-fits-all policing model ineffective. Decentralisation would promote regional empowerment and strengthen democratic governance.”

However, he acknowledged concerns over possible abuse by governors, warning that history has shown how state power can be misused to suppress dissent.

To address this, Yerima insisted that state police must be backed by strong accountability mechanisms.

He advised that “clear regulations should govern recruitment, training and operations. An independent oversight body must be established to monitor state police activities and prevent abuse.”

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He also stressed the role of the Federal Government in setting firm legal boundaries.

According to him, “defined guidelines on powers, use of force, community engagement and protection of citizens’ rights are non-negotiable. Without this, decentralised policing could undermine justice rather than strengthen it.”