THE WAY FORWARD FOR STATE POLICE IN NIGERIA: A BLUEPRINT FOR A SAFER AND MORE SECURE NATION[img][/img]

In recent years, the issue of state police in Nigeria has gained significant attention as a potential solution to the country's persistent security challenges.

The idea of state police, which involves the decentralization of policing powers to state governments, has been a subject of debate and deliberation among policymakers, security experts, and the general public.

The journey towards the realization of state police in Nigeria can be traced back to 2018 when the former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, along with 75 other senators, sponsored the first bill seeking to amend the Constitution to allow for the creation of state police.

This marked a significant milestone in the advocacy for state police and highlighted the growing consensus among lawmakers on the need for a more decentralized policing system in Nigeria.

Since then, the issue of state police has continued to gain momentum, with several state governments, civil society organizations, and security experts endorsing the concept as a way to enhance security and address the inadequacies of the current policing system.

The Igbo Renaissance Forum (IRF), a non-partisan group committed to the advancement of Igbo interests and the overall development of Nigeria, believes that the establishment of state police is not only desirable but also necessary for the country's security architecture.

As Nigeria grapples with increasing security threats such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes, the need for a more localized and responsive policing system has become more apparent than ever.

In a positive step towards this goal, the House of Representatives, led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, along with sixteen other lawmakers, has expressed strong support for the creation of state police and the bill has gone through the second reading on the floor of the Green Chamber.

This demonstrates a growing consensus among lawmakers on the need to restructure Nigeria's security architecture to better address the country's security challenges.

One of the key advantages of state police is its potential to enhance security through improved intelligence gathering and community policing.

State police officers, being more familiar with their localities, are better positioned to gather intelligence on criminal activities and respond promptly to security threats. This grassroots approach to policing can help in the early detection and prevention of crimes, thereby reducing the overall crime rate in the country.

Furthermore, the establishment of state police is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement in Nigeria. Currently, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is overstretched and under-resourced, leading to challenges in effectively policing the entire country.

By decentralizing policing powers to the states, each state can tailor its policing strategies to suit its specific security needs, leading to a more efficient and effective law enforcement system.

Critics of state police often raise concerns about potential abuse of power and politicization of the police force. However, these concerns can be addressed through proper legislation and oversight mechanisms.

The IRF advocates for the enactment of laws that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of state police forces, as well as mechanisms for accountability and transparency.

Additionally, the IRF calls for the establishment of an independent oversight body to monitor the activities of state police forces and ensure compliance with established standards and procedures.

We are resolute in our belief that, the establishment of state police in Nigeria is the very first step in the right direction towards addressing the country's security challenges.

By decentralizing policing powers to the states, Nigeria can create a more responsive, efficient, and effective policing system that is better equipped to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

The IRF urges the federal government and all stakeholders to support the implementation of state police as a critical component of efforts to build a safer and more secure nation.

- Nze Ugo-Akpe Onwuka (Oyi) - International Coordinator, Igbo Renaissance Forum (IRF)