Nigerian governors remain divided over the idea of creating State Police as insecurity continues to rise across the country.
Some states have already started building structures for local policing, but critics warn that Nigeria lacks the proper checks to stop governors from using such forces for personal control.
Governors like Ogun State’s Dapo Abiodun, Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang, Kano’s Abba Yusuf, and those from Zamfara, Taraba, Kebbi, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Kwara said state police is the right move and have begun taking steps to make community policing a reality. Meanwhile, Borno State’s Babagana Zulum and Sokoto State’s governor, among others, argued that Nigeria is not yet ready for state police.
The debate comes as the country faces growing problems with insurgency, bandit attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence, stretching the Nigeria Police Force, which is centrally controlled, to its limits.
President Bola Tinubu has often said he wants state police to help tackle insecurity.
Recently, the new Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, formed a committee to propose steps for introducing state police across Nigeria.
