The national conversation surrounding the proposed creation of state police intensified on Thursday as senior lawyer and human rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN) warned that constitutional amendments alone will not solve Nigeria's worsening insecurity without comprehensive reforms in funding, technology, intelligence gathering and accountability.
Speaking during a television interview on the Federal Government's proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police, Falana argued that Nigeria already possesses several state-backed security outfits, making it necessary to clearly define the role and structure of any new policing arrangement before implementation.
According to Falana, several states have created local security agencies to complement the Nigeria Police Force.
He cited the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno State, Amotekun Corps across the South-West, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Hisbah Corps in Kano State as examples of state-backed security organizations already performing policing-related duties.
"We already have state security agencies operating in different parts of the country," he said.
"If we are introducing state police, are we simply changing the name of Amotekun in Oyo, Ogun or Ekiti to State Police, or are we creating an entirely new institution? These are questions that must be answered."
Falana also questioned the implementation of the existing constitutional framework governing the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that the Nigerian Police Council—constitutionally empowered to supervise and administer policing—is made up of the President, the 36 state governors, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission and other key officials.
According to him, despite having 36 governors represented on the council, policing has remained largely centralized under presidential control since 1999.
"The Constitution envisages policing as a shared responsibility between the Federal Government and state governments, yet in practice, police powers have been exercised almost exclusively by the President," Falana argued.
He maintained that discussions about state police should also include reforms to the Police Council to ensure genuine federal participation in policing decisions.
While supporters of state police believe decentralization could improve security, Falana warned that financial sustainability remains one of the biggest unresolved issues.
He questioned how many state governments would finance modern policing when several already struggle to pay workers' salaries and pensions.
"How do we adequately fund state police? How do we ensure officers are properly trained, equipped and motivated? Those issues have not been sufficiently addressed," he said.
He also raised concerns about human rights protections, asking how authorities would prevent abuses by state-controlled police officers.
Falana stressed that increasing the number of police officers alone would not automatically reduce insecurity.
Using the recurring attacks by terrorists and bandits in northern Nigeria as an example, he noted that many communities have suffered coordinated assaults involving dozens of motorcycles transporting armed attackers for prolonged periods without interception.
He argued that the problem often lies not in the absence of police personnel but in poor intelligence gathering, slow response times and inadequate surveillance capabilities.
"Terrorists can attack communities for over an hour, abduct victims and disappear. The challenge is not simply the number of police officers but intelligence, technology and rapid response," he explained.
According to him, security agencies must be equipped to detect and prevent attacks before they occur rather than merely responding afterward.
Falana warned that criminal networks have become increasingly sophisticated, relying on advanced communication technologies that often outpace law enforcement capabilities.
He said security agencies require substantial investments in satellite surveillance, digital monitoring systems and modern intelligence infrastructure to effectively combat terrorism, kidnapping and organized crime.
"The criminals have moved beyond ordinary communication methods. If we want effective policing, whether federal or state, we must invest in technology that allows security agencies to stay ahead," he said.
The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to empower governors to appoint state commissioners of police, subject to confirmation by state Houses of Assembly.
Governors would also be authorized to issue policy directives tailored to their individual security challenges.
Under the proposal, each state would formulate policing priorities reflecting local realities.
Supporters argue that security concerns differ significantly across Nigeria, making localized policing strategies more effective than a one-size-fits-all national approach.
Despite support for decentralization, concerns remain that governors could misuse state police against political opponents, particularly during elections.
Falana acknowledged those fears, noting that they echo concerns which contributed to the abolition of regional police during Nigeria's First Republic.
Although the proposed legislation reportedly contains safeguards aimed at preventing political interference, critics argue that stronger constitutional protections are necessary before implementation.
The debate has also highlighted questions regarding jurisdiction between federal and state policing institutions.
Observers note that countries operating decentralized policing systems, including the United States, maintain clearly defined responsibilities between local police departments and federal agencies such as the FBI.
Experts say Nigeria would need similar constitutional clarity to avoid conflicts over investigations, command structures and operational authority.
Falana concluded that while decentralizing policing may contribute to improved security, the reform should not be viewed as a standalone solution.
Instead, he called for broader national consultations focusing on constitutional safeguards, funding mechanisms, intelligence sharing, technology acquisition, officer welfare and protection of citizens' rights.
"The debate should not simply be about creating state police. It should be about building a policing system that protects Nigerians effectively, respects human rights, and is properly funded and professionally managed," he said.
The proposed constitutional amendment is expected to undergo further legislative consideration, including approval by at least two-thirds of Nigeria's State Houses of Assembly before becoming law.
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