President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated that the creation of state police is “unavoidable” as a crucial measure to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Speaking during a meeting with Katsina State indigenes at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu affirmed his resolve to shift policing powers to the states, acknowledging structural weaknesses in the current centralised system.
The President, who met with a delegation led by Governor Dikko Radda, stated that while the Federal Government would continue to support the Nigeria Police Force, the realities of the nation’s security challenges demand a more localized approach. He emphasized that a decentralised policing structure will help bring security closer to the people and improve rapid response to threats at the community level.
During the meeting, Tinubu directed an immediate review of security operations in Katsina, a state recently hit by renewed bandit attacks. He also announced the deployment of advanced military hardware and surveillance gadgets, including drones, to reinforce security in the state.
Constitutional Reform Push
Tinubu reiterated his call for urgent amendments to the 1999 Constitution to move policing from the federal “Exclusive Legislative List” to the “Concurrent List”. Such a change would empower states to establish, fund, and manage their own police forces while maintaining necessary federal oversight.
This push adds fresh momentum to the long-standing debate on state policing, with stakeholders pressing for constitutional reforms to make it a reality.
Support for Forest Guards and Broader Strategy
In addition to advocating for state police, Tinubu mentioned that the federal government would consider equipping local forest guards to enhance their operations. He stressed the need for community-based security outfits familiar with the local terrain and culture to aid in intelligence gathering.
The President also announced that he was “reviewing all aspects of security” and that a committee was previously established in February 2024 to study the framework for state policing. Tinubu criticised those politicising the initiative, insisting that it is a necessary step towards defeating insecurity.