Security and legal experts have thrown their weight behind renewed efforts to establish state police in Nigeria, describing the move as a potential game changer in tackling rising insecurity across the country, but warning that success will depend largely on careful implementation and strong oversight mechanisms.
The debate over decentralising Nigeria’s policing structure has intensified following support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture amid persistent cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, security analyst Dr. Efe Wanogho said effective policing must be rooted in local communities, arguing that Nigeria’s highly centralised system has contributed to operational challenges.
“Security is fundamentally a homegrown responsibility,” Wanogho stated. “The most effective security structure is one that is rooted in the local populace. Any system that is heavily centralised and superimposed, as we currently operate in Nigeria, is bound to encounter serious challenges.”
He explained that recruiting officers with deep knowledge of local terrain, culture and community dynamics would significantly enhance intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
“Many perpetrators of crimes in certain communities are often not indigenous to those areas. Locally based officers are better positioned to identify suspicious movements and unusual activities,” he said.
Wanogho, however, stressed that the success of state policing would depend on strict recruitment standards and professionalism.
“The idea is commendable, but the real issue lies in implementation. The right people must be recruited — individuals with integrity, sound moral character and no criminal background. If such standards are maintained, we will make serious progress in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” he added.
He further clarified that state police would not replace the federal police structure but should operate alongside it in a complementary framework.
“The establishment of state police does not mean abolishing the federal police. They are not mutually exclusive. While state police may serve as the predominant form of policing within states, crimes that transcend state boundaries — such as cross-border crimes, organised financial crimes and terrorism — will still require federal intervention, similar to what obtains in countries like the United States,” Wanogho explained.
Also weighing in, legal practitioner and public affairs analyst Barrister Chukwudi Ebere expressed cautious optimism, warning that constitutional safeguards must be put in place to prevent political abuse.
“State policing has the potential to improve response time and strengthen community trust,” Ebere said. “However, there must be strong constitutional provisions to prevent governors from using state police as political tools against opponents. Proper oversight mechanisms, independent funding structures and accountability frameworks are crucial.”
He recommended the creation of a joint oversight body comprising representatives of federal and state governments as well as civil society organisations to ensure professionalism and prevent misuse.
Ebere also emphasised the importance of training, welfare and modern equipment.
“If officers are poorly trained or inadequately paid, the reform will fail. Beyond local recruitment, there must be investment in modern equipment, intelligence technology and continuous capacity building,” he noted.
The call for state policing has long featured in Nigeria’s constitutional reform discussions, with proponents arguing that decentralisation would address slow response times and overstretched federal resources. Critics, however, warn of possible political interference and fragmentation of national security.
As national consultations continue, stakeholders maintain that regardless of the structure adopted, professionalism, accountability and strong community partnership must remain central to any policing reform aimed at restoring public confidence and effectively confronting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt
