Support for the establishment of state police gained further momentum as lawmakers and state governors argued that decentralizing policing would improve security, reduce response times to crime, and make state governments more accountable for protecting lives and property.
Speaking during a public policy discussion on security reforms, a lawmaker involved in the ongoing legislative process said policing cannot be separated from governance, stressing that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.
According to him, years of operating a highly centralized policing system have exposed significant shortcomings, particularly in responding quickly to security threats across Nigeria's vast territory.
He explained that consultations conducted by the National Assembly, including public hearings, revealed broad support for reforms that would bring policing closer to local communities.
"The primary purpose of government is to protect lives and property, and policing is a key part of governance," he said. "We examined how the current structure has performed and concluded that proximity is critical in effective policing."
The lawmaker argued that the existing system, in which operational decisions are largely centralized, often delays responses to criminal incidents. He said decentralizing policing would allow officers with better knowledge of local terrain, languages, customs, and communities to respond more effectively.
Using Nigeria's geographical size and population as examples, he noted that the country's security challenges require a more localized approach. He also referenced international policing standards, stating that Nigeria remains below the recommended police-to-population ratio and would require significant recruitment to meet global benchmarks.
Addressing concerns that governors could misuse state police for political purposes, the lawmaker acknowledged that such fears were legitimate but said the proposed legislation includes safeguards to prevent abuse.
He explained that while policing powers would be moved from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, the framework would include legal "guardrails" to regulate the operation of state police forces and ensure accountability.
Joining the discussion, the Governor of Zamfara State welcomed the proposal, describing it as a necessary step toward addressing insecurity in states facing prolonged security challenges.
The governor noted that Zamfara has battled insecurity for more than a decade, adding that governors are often referred to as chief security officers despite lacking operational control over security agencies within their states.
"I'm happy with the development because it allows us to truly fulfill our responsibility and enables our people to hold us accountable for security within our states," he said.
He cited the establishment of Zamfara's Community Protection Guards as an example of localized security initiatives already in operation. According to him, members of the outfit were recruited from their local communities, giving them better knowledge of the terrain and enabling them to serve as first responders during attacks.
The governor argued that while concerns about political interference remain, no security system is entirely immune from abuse. He maintained that a strong legal framework and effective oversight mechanisms would minimize such risks.
He further stated that since the creation of the Community Protection Guards, there had been no significant complaints regarding their operations, expressing confidence that properly regulated state police would strengthen Nigeria's overall security architecture.
The renewed push for state police comes amid growing calls for comprehensive security reforms as Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities across several regions of the country. The proposal is currently receiving legislative attention as policymakers seek constitutional amendments that would formally establish state-controlled police services.
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