The issue of state police in Nigeria has long been a sensitive and contentious topic.
Last week, President Bola Tinubu finally took decisive steps to address the country’s escalating security challenges.
In a landmark announcement, he declared that states wishing to establish their own police forces are now free to do so, as part of a broader national security emergency initiative.
President Tinubu also directed the Armed Forces and Police to recruit additional personnel, while the State Security Service should deploy trained Forest Guards to counter terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.
Earlier, he ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw over 11,000 officers from VIP protection duties to bolster police presence in security-challenged areas.
While increasing manpower is essential, state police remains the most significant reform.
By supporting this long-overdue initiative, President Tinubu is addressing one of the root causes of Nigeria’s insecurity.
Local police forces would leverage community knowledge, improving crime detection, prevention, and surveillance.
Concerns about potential abuse of state police are valid.
However, even federal police have been misused, as seen during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.
Proper training, oversight, and accountability will be critical to ensure state police serve public safety rather than political interests.
The President’s recent measures are part of broader silent restructuring efforts that have already yielded significant reforms.
These include: Power sector reform decentralizing generation, transmission, and distribution, Removal of FCT funds from the Treasury Single Account, allowing development projects in Abuja and Economic reforms, including fuel and foreign exchange subsidy removal and a new tax regime to streamline taxation without overburdening citizens.
These reforms are improving economic indicators, but their benefits cannot fully reach the populace without addressing insecurity.
President Tinubu emphasized that all Nigerians must contribute to national security, including reporting crimes and protecting vulnerable areas.
For state police to succeed, the National Assembly must enact enabling laws, and whistleblower protections should be strengthened to encourage citizens to provide actionable information.
The time to act is now, both for security and for the nation’s continued progress.
Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media & Special Duties.
