Sixteen state governors have voiced their support for the establishment of state police, citing the need to address the escalating security challenges across Nigeria.
These governors submitted reports during the 140th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The governors proposed constitutional amendments to pave the way for the creation of state police forces, advocating for a multi-level policing system to combat the surge in violent crimes, including abductions and attacks by suspected bandits.
While 16 states have officially endorsed the initiative, 20 others are yet to submit their reports, although it’s expected they will also lend their support.
The NEC, mandated to advise the President on economic affairs, emphasized the importance of restructuring the policing framework to align with the nation’s evolving security needs.
The urgency for state policing comes amidst a spate of abductions and violent incidents across various states. Recent reports highlighted the abduction of over 495 individuals in Kaduna, Sokoto, and Borno states, including schoolchildren and teachers.
In response to these security threats, discussions at the NEC meeting underscored the necessity of decentralizing law enforcement to enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness to local security concerns. The proposal aligns with ongoing efforts by the Federal and state governments to explore innovative solutions to the country’s security crisis.
Additionally, legislative efforts are underway to formalize the establishment of state police. A bill advocating for constitutional amendments to accommodate state policing successfully passed its second reading at the House of Representatives, signaling growing momentum for institutional reforms in the security sector.