Nigeria’s recent decision to reform the Nigerian Police Force by establishing state police, a move which reflects a broader trend across Africa toward decentralising security structures, has sparked widespread debate. The underlying goal of this policy is to address local challenges more effectively and offer tailored solutions to regional security issues. In theory, state police can help achieve this, but the proposal raises significant concerns, including the potential for political misuse by state governors and the broader issue of governance. At the heart of the debate is the understanding that the police force reflects the political and governance environment in which it operates. Without addressing fundamental governance problems in the country and the continent at large, introducing state police risks exacerbating the very issues it seeks to solve.
The push for state police stems from a long-standing desire to localise security solutions in Nigeria. This idea predates the Tinubu administration and has been debated publicly for years. As former President Goodluck Jonathan noted during a national dialogue organised by the House of Representatives, “There is no need to debate about state police. The issues of state police were accepted at the 2014 National Conference.” Centralised policing in Nigeria has long been criticised for its failure to address regional or local security peculiarities, especially in remote areas where forces are often understaffed, ill-equipped, and disconnected from local realities.
However, opposition to the state police initiative remains substantial. Critics argue that decentralisation without strong oversight could lead to increased political manipulation, corruption, and instability. Former Nigerian Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu cautioned, “People are calling for restructuring that will make the governors more powerful. These same governors have killed local government systems in their various states. If you give them the opportunity of state police, it will be more problematic.” This concern highlights a critical point: the effectiveness of any policing system is directly tied to the integrity of governance structures and the individuals implementing them. Poor governance is a barrier to the success of well-intentioned policies, and addressing governance challenges is essential for ensuring the success of any state police initiative.
While there are valid reasons to advocate for state police, it is misleading to present the absence of such a system as the primary cause of insecurity at the local levels. A broader analysis of Africa’s security landscape shows that the safest countries, like Rwanda and Ghana, rely on centralised police systems, while South Africa and Somalia, which have decentralised policing models, rank among the least safe. This suggests that the relationship between policing structures and security is more nuanced than is presented by the proponents of state police. Some countries with decentralised police systems have improved security, but ultimately, good governance—not the model of policing—determines its overall effectiveness.
It is worth noting that policing systems that emphasise close cooperation with the community tend to be more effective than those that deny people agency and participation in addressing insecurity in their communities. It follows, therefore, that reforms should focus on empowering local communities, building trust between the police and the public, and creating enabling conditions for sustainable development.
At any rate, the key question is how effective state police will be if established. The answer depends largely on the quality of governance in each state. Many Nigerian states face serious issues such as corruption, mismanagement of public resources, and a lack of transparency. In states where governors wield unchecked power, a state-controlled police force could be used to intimidate political opponents, suppress legitimate protests, or manipulate law enforcement for personal or political gain. Additionally, disparities in resource allocation across states mean that while some state police forces may be well-funded, others will struggle, which could create uneven outcomes. Ultimately, the effectiveness of state police will reflect the overall governance quality in each state, which remains generally poor across much of Nigeria.
At present, the Nigerian Police Force has already set a negative precedent, with public trust in the force significantly eroded. Officers are often seen as part of the problem rather than the solution, and Nigeria ranks among African countries where police officers most frequently demand bribes. Introducing state police in such a climate of gross corruption will not change these patterns unless foundational reforms are made. Public trust is essential for any policing system to succeed, and without it, establishing state police is unlikely to be effective. Building trust and professionalism within the national police must be a priority before introducing state police.
In sum, while decentralisation may offer some benefits, it must be accompanied by broader governance reforms that address the root causes of insecurity. Strengthening institutions, enhancing transparency, and ensuring efficient management of public resources are critical steps towards building a secure and prosperous nation. Security reforms must also be tailored to the specific needs of different regions and communities, considering the unique social, economic, and political contexts of each state. A one-size-fits-all approach to policing is unlikely to succeed in a country as diverse as Nigeria. The debate over state police touches on fundamental questions of governance, accountability, and security. Only by addressing these broader issues can Nigeria hope to build a police force that truly serves and protects its people.