For most politicians including former President Goodluck Jonathan and Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria having state policing is long overdue, but currently Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun does not agree.
These opposing views came into light at the national dialogue themed ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria” organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja. Almost all the politicians who spoke agreed that Nigeria has to look at other countries that have state policing against the back of insecurity in the country.
President Bola Tinubu had set the ball rolling when he asked the National Assembly to work out the modalities for state policing.
“The National Assembly needs to look into all the issues. These are the areas that we have to concentrate on. The issue of the need for states to have their own police is not negotiable. There is no way we can continue like this with the kidnapping that is going on in this country,” Goodluck Jonathan said in his contribution.
In his remark Akpabio stated: “Today, we have the power to transform our security architecture and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe and protected, regardless of his or her status, religion, tribe, location or background.
“The concept of state police has been a topic of debate for many years. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. But today, courtesy of the House of Representatives, we have the opportunity to engage in a national dialogue, to listen to the voices of our fellow citizens, and to forge a path towards a more secure Nigeria. Let us seize this opportunity with open hearts and open minds. Let us listen to one another, learn from one another, and work together to find common ground.
“Let us ensure that our state police forces work in harmony with their federal counterparts, collaborating to fight crime, preserve peace, and safeguard our democracy. In the USA, the FBI, the federal police body enforces federal laws and the state police departments enforce state laws. The FBI also investigates inter-state crimes.”
But the IG Egbetokun, who was represented by Ben Okolo, an assistant inspector-general of police, said Nigeria is not ripe for state policing.
“It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria police force that Nigeria is yet to mature for the establishment of state-controlled police.”
The IGP listed some of the challenges as inadequate manpower, inadequate operational equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, communication equipment, drones, aerial surveillance cameras, security surveillance helicopters, armoured vehicles, and inadequate training of personnel.
He also argued that: “State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security. There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction.”
Kalu said this translated to a concerning ratio of roughly one officer per 600 citizens, adding that such significant understaffing is further compounded by resource deficiencies.
Mr. Egbetokun and the police hierarchy seem to be standing alone in the arguments. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, said there is a need for a comprehensive and responsive security framework that includes the establishment of state police.
“I encourage all of us to approach these deliberations with an open mind, to engage in constructive dialogue, and to consider the diverse perspectives that will be shared.
“It is through collaboration and a shared commitment to the common good that we can develop policies and strategies that will enhance the security infrastructure of our dear nation.
“This dialogue presents an opportunity for us to engage in constructive and open
