President Bola Tinubu has revealed that his administration is actively considering the creation of a state police system to better address Nigeria’s escalating security concerns.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Katsina elders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu acknowledged the urgency of localizing security efforts.
He also disclosed plans to further equip forest guards recently deployed in the North West, particularly in Katsina State, a region grappling with repeated bandit attacks.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized the importance of tailoring security responses to local contexts.
“Security outfits that understand the terrain, respect the culture, and can connect with communities are essential,” Tinubu said, while condemning the politicisation of the state police proposal.
The President admitted that Nigeria’s porous borders and inherited structural weaknesses have contributed to insecurity, but stressed that his government is committed to fixing the problem.
“We must defeat insecurity. We have approved the purchase of more drones and instructed security agencies to reassess and energize their strategies,” he added.
Tinubu said he is now receiving daily reports on operations in Katsina, and that discussions on the establishment of state police are ongoing. He confirmed a holistic review is underway to ensure sustainable security reform.
“I am reviewing all aspects of our national security. I have to create a state police,” he said.
“Our children, our people, places of worship, and public spaces must be protected. We will not be intimidated.”
The President also assured the visiting elders that efforts are in place to immortalize former President Muhammadu Buhari, acknowledging his legacy.
While Tinubu appears ready to move forward, the idea of state police remains a divisive issue within the National Economic Council (NEC).
Despite widespread calls for localized policing, the NEC has repeatedly deferred formal discussions.
In April, Vice President Kashim Shettima chaired a lengthy meeting with governors and ministers, but the issue of state police was not addressed due to time constraints.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, speaking after the meeting, explained:
“State police was on our agenda, but we couldn’t get to it because of the many presentations we had. It will be fully discussed at our next meeting.”
This marks the third time deliberations on state police have been postponed, despite mounting insecurity across the country.
In December last year, all 36 states submitted their positions, with most supporting the move. Yet, formal debate was again delayed.
Earlier in February, Kaduna State’s Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe confirmed another deferral after an NEC session.
The proposal for state policing has been on the table since early 2024 when Tinubu and state governors convened to address growing violence nationwide.
According to the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the plan is still in its early stages and would require further consensus-building among stakeholders.
