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TINUBU MAKE MOVE TO CREATE STATE POLICE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again made clear that he is ready to push for the creation of state police in Nigeria. This latest move has set the nation talking, as security continues to dominate headlines across every corner of the country. For years, the call for state police has been loud. But many leaders in the past avoided it. Now, Tinubu says the time has come.
Why Tinubu Wants State Police
President Tinubu said he has no choice but to support the idea of state police. The reason is simple. Nigeria’s security challenges have grown beyond what the current system can handle.
Today, bandits are attacking villages in the North. Kidnappers are striking along highways. Farmers cannot farm freely in many places. In cities, robberies, cult wars, and violence continue. The Nigeria Police Force, which is controlled by the federal government, has been stretched too thin.
Nigeria has more than 200 million people. Yet the police strength is just about 370,000 officers. Experts say this number is too small for a country of this size. This means that one police officer has to protect hundreds of people at once. That is not enough.
Tinubu argued that local police will understand their communities better. They know the terrain, the language, the culture, and the people. That way, they can fight crime faster and more effectively.
A Long Debate in Nigeria
The issue of state police is not new. It has been discussed for decades. Many governors, security experts, and citizens have said that state police is the only way forward. But past governments feared it would be abused by politicians.
Some said governors might use state police as a private army to fight their enemies. Others worried it could lead to more corruption. These fears made it hard for past leaders to act.
But insecurity has now reached levels that cannot be ignored. Communities are crying out for help. Farmers are abandoning their lands. Families live in fear of kidnappers. Tinubu says the solution must now include state police, no matter the challenges.
The Benefits of State Police
There are many benefits of having state police. Tinubu and those who support the move have been clear about this.
- Better knowledge of local areas
Local police know the environment. They know the bad spots, the dangerous hideouts, and the criminal gangs in their area. This gives them an edge over a distant federal police officer who may not even speak the local language. - Faster response to crime
When crime happens, state police can respond quickly. They are closer to the people. They do not need long chains of approval from Abuja before taking action. - More jobs for young people
Creating state police will open up new jobs. Each state will recruit its own officers. This will help reduce unemployment, which is one of the causes of crime. - Stronger community trust
People are more likely to trust police officers who come from their own community. This trust will make citizens more willing to share information about criminals. - Support for federal police
The federal police alone cannot handle the pressure. With state police, there will be support at the grassroots. This will reduce the load on the federal force.
The Disadvantages and Fears
While there are benefits, there are also fears. Many Nigerians worry about the possible misuse of state police.
- Abuse by politicians
One of the biggest fears is that governors may turn state police into tools of oppression. Opponents, activists, or journalists could be harassed by the state police on the orders of a governor. - Funding challenges
Running police is very expensive. Some states are already struggling to pay workers. How will they pay and maintain their own police? - Risk of corruption
Corruption is a problem in Nigeria. Some fear that state police may face the same problems of bribery and abuse of power that already affect the federal police. - Division and conflict
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation. Some worry that state police could fuel division, where ethnic or religious groups use the force against others. - Confusion of authority
With both federal and state police working, there could be clashes of authority. Who takes control when crimes cross state lines? This must be clearly addressed in the law.
Tinubu’s Strong Words
Tinubu has been firm in his words. Speaking recently, he said, “State police is unavoidable. We must face it. It is part of the solution to our insecurity problems.”
He stressed that criminals are now bold and violent. To defeat them, Nigeria must decentralize policing. He also said the federal government will work with states to make sure the new system is not abused.
Tinubu also ordered a full review of security operations in Katsina State, which has faced repeated bandit attacks. This is seen as part of his wider plan to make policing closer to the people.
Constitutional Hurdles Ahead
To create state police in Nigeria, the Constitution must be changed. Currently, policing is on the Exclusive Legislative List. This means only the federal government can run police.
To move forward, the National Assembly will need to amend the Constitution. This will also involve the state Houses of Assembly. It is not an easy process. But many lawmakers and governors are already showing support, given the rising insecurity.
What Nigerians Are Saying
The news of Tinubu’s plan has sparked wide reactions across the country.
In the North, many communities welcome the idea. They say local police will understand the forests and villages better than federal officers posted from faraway states.
In the South-West, where regional security groups like Amotekun already exist, people say state police will give them legal backing and more power.
In the South-East, with rising issues of sit-at-home orders and violent groups, many say state police could help restore peace.
But some Nigerians remain worried. They ask: Will governors use state police to fight opposition? Will there be fairness in recruitment? How will poor states fund it?
Experts Weigh In
Security experts say the benefits far outweigh the risks. They note that many countries around the world have local policing systems. From the United States to India, local police work side by side with federal law enforcement.
They argue that what Nigeria needs is strong laws to prevent abuse. There must be clear checks and balances. Funding must also be transparent. Without these, state police may fail.
The Way Forward
Tinubu has promised to work with lawmakers and governors to design a system that is fair and balanced. He has also said the federal government will not allow abuse of power.
Analysts say that if Tinubu succeeds, it will mark one of the biggest security reforms in Nigeria’s history. It could change the way communities feel about safety and policing.
But the journey is not simple. There will be debates, resistance, and tough questions. Nigerians will be watching every step closely.
Conclusion
The call for state police has never been louder. President Tinubu has now put himself at the front of that call. His words have given hope to millions who live in fear daily. But they also raise questions that must be answered.
Will Nigeria finally decentralize its police force? Will state police truly make the streets safer? Or will it bring new problems?
Time will tell. For now, what is clear is that Tinubu has taken a bold step. Insecurity is one of the biggest tests of his presidency. His move toward state police may define not only his government but also the future of Nigeria’s security.
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