Retired Immigration Service officer Dr. Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa suggests that establishing state-level police forces in Nigeria might introduce more complications than solutions. Having monitored the legislative proposal since the 1990s, he acknowledges potential benefits like improved intelligence gathering due to local proximity. However, he warns of significant risks, including financial strain if states struggle with salaries, and potential misuse by political actors who might exploit the force for personal agendas.
Dr. Wudilawa emphasizes that for any state police system to succeed, local stakeholders—including religious leaders and community elders—must participate in the recruitment process to keep the initiative non-partisan. Security analyst and retired Captain Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu echoes this sentiment, noting that decentralization offers better rapid response capabilities but requires strict constitutional protections.
Adamu argues that the core issue is not the necessity of state police, but the existence of robust safeguards. He advocates for professional recruitment, independent oversight, and strict human rights standards to prevent political intimidation. Ultimately, both experts agree that success depends on creating an accountable, law-abiding system rather than viewing state police as a guaranteed cure for the nation’s security challenges.
