The recent killings by suspected armed herders in Benue and Nasarawa States have reignited the debate on state police in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that the establishment of state police is no longer optional but a "national imperative" due to the country's deepening security challenges.
The Need for State Police
President Tinubu called for bold constitutional amendments to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, enabling states with capacity and political will to establish their own police forces. This move is seen as a potential solution to the country's insecurity, which has been exacerbated by factors like poverty, unemployment, and climate change.
Alternative Solutions
Some experts have proposed alternative solutions, such as the establishment of Special Police Constabulary Units (SPCU) as part of the community policing system. Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the APC, suggested that SPCU could be well-equipped to contain kidnappers, terrorists, and insurgents at the grassroots level.
Benefits of State Police
State police could potentially curb attacks by Fulani militia and general insecurity in the country. Peter Obi's ex-adviser, Katchy Ononuju, noted that state policing would enable states to create their own uniformed groups, such as community police, to provide protection for life and property.
Challenges Ahead
However, there are concerns about the potential misuse of state police by governors. Okechukwu emphasized the need for joint funding and moderation to prevent governors from being rendered helpless. Ononuju also highlighted the complexity of the issue, citing government complicity in ethnic cleansing and the need for political will to address the problem.
Conclusion
The debate on state police in Nigeria highlights the need for a more effective and localized approach to addressing insecurity. While there are challenges ahead, the potential benefits of state police in curbing attacks and providing protection for citizens make it an important issue to consider [1].
