The debate around establishing state police in Nigeria has been heating up for years, with no end in sight. Many citizens see it as a long-overdue reform that could bring justice closer to the people. Others worry it might unleash a fresh wave of problems instead of solving existing ones. So, which is it — a solution or a new source of trouble?
On one hand, supporters argue that state police would improve security by making law enforcement more local and accountable. Nigeria’s current policing system is highly centralised, with the Federal Police controlling all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This often means officers are unfamiliar with the specific needs and cultures of their local communities. If states had their own police, they could respond faster to crimes, understand local dynamics better, and reduce the burden on the national force.
Many citizens living in states with high crime rates, such as parts of the South-South and the North-East, have voiced frustration about slow police responses and perceived indifference. They see state police as a chance to bring law enforcement closer to home — a police force that knows their streets, speaks their language, and shares their concerns.
However, the sceptics have strong reasons to worry. Nigeria’s history is littered with cases of abuse of power by security agencies. Some fear that giving states the power to maintain their own police could lead to misuse by political leaders who might use the force to silence opponents or oppress minority groups. There is also concern about how the forces would be funded and regulated — could poorer states maintain effective policing without depending heavily on the federal government?
Another challenge is the risk of fragmented policing standards. With each state running its own police, there might be uneven training, poor coordination across borders, and confusion in tackling crimes that cross state lines. The potential for rivalry or mistrust between state and federal police could also complicate crime-fighting efforts.
Citizens want safety and justice, but not at the cost of their freedoms and rights. For many, the key question is: How can state police be designed so they serve the people, and not the interests of a few?
The conversation must go beyond slogans. It demands open dialogue among government, civil society, and communities. Clear laws must define the powers, limits, and accountability mechanisms for any state policing system. Learning from other countries with decentralised police forces could offer useful lessons, but Nigeria’s unique political and social realities must shape the approach.
Ultimately, Nigerians deserve a police force they can trust — one that protects, not persecutes. Whether state police will be a step forward or a step back depends on how wisely it is implemented. The clock is ticking. The time for serious, honest discussion is now.
