The debate surrounding the establishment of state police in Nigeria has intensified, with proponents arguing for its necessity to combat rising insecurity and critics expressing concerns about potential political misuse. The Northern Progressive Elders Group (NPEG) has emerged as a vocal opponent of state police, cautioning against its implementation and highlighting the risks it poses to the nation’s political stability and security landscape. The NPEG contends that the creation of state police would exacerbate existing political tensions and potentially worsen the security situation, rather than offering a solution.
The NPEG argues that the root of Nigeria’s security challenges lies not in the structure of the police force, but in the politicization of security matters. They observe a disturbing trend where political affiliations influence responses to security breaches, with some individuals celebrating attacks on communities based on the victims’ political leanings. Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are accused of exploiting tragedies for political gain, further polarizing the nation and hindering genuine efforts to address insecurity. The NPEG believes that creating state police would simply provide another tool for political manipulation, empowering governors to use security forces against their opponents and further entrenching a culture of impunity.
Instead of establishing state police, the NPEG advocates for strengthening existing institutions, promoting the rule of law, and ensuring equitable application of security measures for all citizens. They point to instances of alleged misuse of the federal police for political purposes, including arrests and detentions linked to political rivalries in states like Kaduna and Kebbi. The NPEG argues that if the federal police, which is theoretically under central control, can be manipulated for political ends, state police forces would be even more susceptible to abuse by governors seeking to consolidate their power and suppress dissent. This, they fear, would further erode democratic principles and exacerbate political tensions across the country.
The NPEG’s concerns are particularly heightened in the context of the upcoming 2027 general elections. They warn that the creation of state police ahead of the elections could create a fertile ground for political persecution, with governors potentially using their control over security forces to intimidate opponents and manipulate the electoral process. The group believes that focusing on strengthening existing institutions, ensuring accountability within the security forces, and promoting public awareness on security issues would be a more effective approach than creating new structures that could be easily exploited for partisan gain.
While the NPEG acknowledges the challenges posed by rising insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and other violent incidents, they maintain that state police is not the solution. They argue that the current centralized police system, while overstretched, can be improved through better funding, training, and oversight. They also emphasize the need for greater collaboration between federal and state governments in addressing security challenges, rather than fragmenting the security apparatus through the creation of state police forces.
Despite the NPEG’s reservations, the push for state police continues to gain momentum. The Tinubu administration has engaged in discussions with state governors on the matter, and while progress has been slower than anticipated, the issue remains on the national agenda. Proponents of state police argue that it would allow for quicker, more localized responses to security threats, tailoring strategies to the specific needs of each state. However, the NPEG remains steadfast in its opposition, arguing that the potential risks of politicization and abuse outweigh the perceived benefits, and urging the government to prioritize strengthening existing structures and promoting accountability within the security sector. The debate over state police underscores the complex and challenging task of balancing the need for effective security measures with the imperative to protect democratic principles and prevent the abuse of power.
