Former Senate Chief Whip and lawmaker representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has renewed his call for the establishment of state and local government police as part of efforts to address Nigeria's persistent security challenges.
Speaking during an interview on national issues, Ndume argued that expanding security structures beyond the federal level would significantly improve the country's ability to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, particularly in rural communities.
According to the senator, many villages and local government areas across Nigeria currently lack adequate security presence, leaving residents vulnerable to attacks by armed groups. He noted that the effectiveness of local security outfits such as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), forest guards, and community-based security initiatives demonstrates the need for a more decentralized policing system.
Ndume emphasized that one of the key advantages enjoyed by terrorists and bandits is their access to weapons, particularly assault rifles, which they use to intimidate unarmed communities.
"The difference between many of these criminals and ordinary citizens is often the weapons they carry," he said, arguing that increasing the number of trained and armed security personnel at the grassroots level would strengthen local defense capabilities.
The senator proposed a multi-layered policing structure that would include federal police, state police, and local government or county police. According to him, such an arrangement would ensure that every local government and community has a visible security presence capable of responding quickly to threats.
He also stressed that Nigeria has a large pool of young people who could be recruited, trained, and employed within community policing structures, providing both security and employment opportunities.
Addressing concerns that state police could be abused by political leaders, Ndume expressed confidence that appropriate legal and institutional safeguards could be established to prevent misuse. He argued that the potential benefits of decentralized policing outweigh the risks, particularly given the country's current security realities.
The lawmaker further expressed hope that ongoing conversations around security reforms would receive support from President Bola Tinubu's administration, noting that the president has long been associated with advocacy for state policing.
His remarks come amid renewed national debates over constitutional reforms, community policing, and strategies for tackling insecurity in parts of the country affected by insurgency, banditry, and communal violence.
Security experts remain divided on the issue. While supporters of state police argue that it would bring law enforcement closer to local communities and improve intelligence gathering, critics have warned that the system could be vulnerable to political interference if not properly regulated.
Despite the differing views, calls for broader security reforms continue to gain momentum as stakeholders seek lasting solutions to Nigeria's security challenges.
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