The State Police Dilemma

A bill proposing the establishment of state police passed its second reading in the House of Representatives following extensive deliberation. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, the bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution by relocating policing powers from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, granting states authority over policing within their jurisdictions. It introduces 16 constitutional alterations and outlines a framework to ensure coherence, accountability, and standardisation between federal and state police forces, including establishing State Police Service Commissions. Despite past opposition, the bill garnered bipartisan support, emphasising the collective interest in adopting a tailored, community-centric policing approach. The bill now proceeds to the Constitution Review Committee for further legislative action, signalling a potential shift in Nigeria’s security architecture amid rising insecurity concerns.

The state police debate is intense. Advocates for state police argue that a decentralised policing structure would foster a deeper understanding of local security concerns, enabling a more responsive and practical approach. They easily point to the perceived shortcomings of the current centralised system, citing its sluggishness, inadequate workforce, and disconnect from the realities on the ground. In the face of rising kidnappings, banditry, and inter-communal violence, the argument for localised solutions holds undeniable appeal. However, critics contend the potential for misuse, particularly in states with a history of ethnic or political tensions. The spectre of state-sanctioned violence and the erosion of national cohesion loom large in their arguments.

While calls for state police have periodically surfaced throughout Nigeria’s history, the current push appears to carry greater weight. The pervasive insecurity and growing public disenchantment with the federal government’s handling of the crisis has created a fertile ground for this proposition. Also, prominent figures, including governors and legislators, have lent their voices to the cause, giving an air of legitimacy to the debate. The underlying issues driving the demand for state police – the yearning for improved security and a sense of local agency – remain deeply entrenched. However, during this overwhelming support, some questions must be answered. How will state police structure address its perceived risks? How quickly can this be completed in the face of worsening insecurity, especially given the time it will may take to restructure the force, amend the constitution and secure funding?

In various federations like the United States and Australia, state police work, but will it work in Nigeria? The debate surrounding state police is not a binary choice between immediate action and outright dismissal. The 2020 Nextier Development Discourse titled “State Police? If Yes, How?” engaged AIG Austin I. Iwar. rtd, and Dr. Vladimir Kreck, who comprehensively debated the various intricacies of policing in Nigeria and the possibility of a state policing mechanism. The debate stressed that establishing state policing is not to be seen as a quick fix for Nigeria’s security issues but rather a systemic change that can revolutionise policing in Nigeria. However, Mr Iwar opined that without careful consideration of the structures, competencies and capabilities of the current police force, Nigeria could risk transferring the issues found in the current system onto the new one. Additionally, he expressed concern about the ability of the proposed state mechanism to succeed where the NPF failed, considering 80 to 85 per cent of the front-line police officers in each state are made up of indigenes. On securing funding for the proposed state police, Dr Vladimir strongly believed that the security votes paid to state governments, running into hundreds of millions of dollars, could be channelled towards funding for the state police.

In 2024 the potential solutions are not different. A nuanced approach is needed to approach this proposed mechanism, acknowledging the genuine concerns driving the demand while carefully considering the potential pitfalls. Open and inclusive dialogue involving diverse stakeholders is crucial to navigate this complex terrain. Furthermore, addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social marginalisation, must remain a core priority. Without tackling these underlying issues, any policing structure, centralised or decentralised, will face an uphill battle in ensuring lasting peace and stability.

The core of policing should be problem-solving. Therefore, the Nigerian government must ensure that the state police mechanism will solve a problem and not just be an avenue to ride on a popular idea.  Succumbing to the allure of a cosmetic fix could exacerbate existing security problems in Nigeria. State governments must also understand that state policing is a responsibility that must be delivered on, with no room for excuses. Conversely, neglecting the genuine grievances fuelling the demand for state police risks further eroding public trust and exacerbating the security crisis. The path forward lies in a measured and comprehensive approach that prioritises dialogue, addresses root causes and explores innovative solutions within a framework that safeguards national unity and democratic principles.

Recommended Materials:

1.State Police? If Yes, How? (Report),

2.State Police? If Yes, How? (Video)