Amid rising killings, mass abductions, and growing security failures across Nigeria, several State Houses of Assembly have begun moves to consider the creation of state police, a long-debated reform that President Bola Tinubu last week urged the National Assembly to legalise as part of sweeping constitutional amendments.

Nigeria has recently witnessed a resurgence of violent banditry and terrorist attacks, while kidnapping syndicates continue to overwhelm overstretched federal security agencies.

With fewer than 400,000 federal police officers policing over 200 million Nigerians, many communities remain unprotected, a vacuum experts say fuels the worsening insecurity.

Last week, President Tinubu declared a security emergency and directed the Police and Armed Forces to recruit more personnel.

He also called on the National Assembly to pass laws enabling states to establish state police where needed.

The proposal is part of the ongoing constitution review by the National Assembly, which Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said would soon move to the 36 state assemblies.

In Plateau State, one of the worst-hit regions, the House of Assembly said it is ready to support state police as a solution to escalating violence.

A top assembly source told our correspondent, “We want the insecurity to end. If the state police will bring an end to it, we are ready as a Plateau Assembly.”

The Plateau Assembly Speaker, Daniel Naalong, recently wrote an open letter to the National Assembly urging swift action on the reform, noting that while concerns about possible political abuse exist, the protection of human life must take precedence.

Communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Qua’an Pan, and Jos South have suffered repeated deadly attacks, leaving thousands killed and displaced.

In Sokoto, lawmakers said they are prepared to fast-track any bill establishing state police.

A ranking member said, “We will give the bill serious attention. Security is our priority. Remember, this same Assembly created the Community Guard Corps, and it has been a success.”

He added that the Northern Governors’ Forum meeting on insecurity had boosted confidence that coordinated state-level policing could help curb attacks.

The Borno State House of Assembly also expressed its readiness to legalise state police.

Assembly spokesperson, Babakura Maina, stated, “Once they (National Assembly) conclude and transmit it to us, then we will begin.”

In Kaduna State, Governor Senator Uba Sani called for the immediate creation of state police, warning that Nigeria’s centralised policing structure can no longer secure the country.

He noted that with fewer than 400,000 officers nationwide, many rural communities have no meaningful protection.

Zamfara State, considered the epicentre of banditry, said it will soon send a state police bill to the Assembly.

The Special Assistant on Media and Communication to Governor Dauda Lawal, Mustafa Kaura, said, “Zamfara is fully in support of state police. The state has yearned for this for a long time. We will soon send a bill to the Assembly.”

He added that the state has already established Community Protection Guards to support security agencies.

In Kano State, the House of Assembly will begin deliberations on the proposal once lawmakers resume in mid-December from recess.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abba Yusuf, Kamaluddeen Shawai, said, “Immediately after resumption, state police and other security matters will be taken up. Kano has already established a Neighbourhood Watch to strengthen local security.”

Attempts to obtain Bauchi Assembly’s position were unsuccessful, though findings indicate the House had earlier passed a vote of confidence supporting constitutional amendments to create state police.

In Nasarawa State, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Jonah Ali Dizaho, said no proposal has yet been transmitted by the executive arm, though Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, noted that state police would improve local intelligence and response.

Ondo State, however, declared that it is already operating a state police system through its Security Network Agency, Amotekun, negating the need for debate.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Orientation, Tunji Fabiyi, said, “We have been on state police since about four years ago, when Amotekun was introduced. Its effectiveness is unmatched in the South-West. The governor recently approved the recruitment of an additional 500 Amotekun Corps, which will further strengthen our security architecture.”

Gombe State lawmakers are yet to begin debate on the matter, with Chief Information Officer Umar stating that discussions may commence after a retreat to Calabar.

Across the country, state governments appear increasingly aligned on the need for decentralised policing.

However, without a constitutional amendment, no state can legally establish its own police service.

Nigerians now await the National Assembly’s next move to provide the legal backing necessary for states to create state police and help combat the spiralling insecurity. (The PUNCH)

Update news