The recent pronouncement of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) reaffirming its full support for the establishment of the State Police has brought to the fore the ongoing debate on whether Nigeria is ripe for devolution of policing structure in the country.
The NSGF recently expressed support for establishment of a state-controlled police force, noting that it is very imperative to tackling the escalating insecurity across the Northern region and the entire country.
The position of the group for the establishment of the state police is coming against the recent full endorsement of a policing structure at the Sub-national level by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his recent meeting with a delegation of Katsina State people, over the banditry activity in the state.
Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the director-general of press affairs to the chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, confirmed the northern governors’ clear stance on the matter.
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He stated that the governors of the 19 Northern states unanimously supported and adopted the creation of state police during a meeting with traditional leaders in Kaduna, urging the National Assembly to fast-track legislative action for its establishment.
This position aligns with growing calls from influential groups in the region, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum, that lamented the severe security challenges and urged decisive action.
The NEF, in particular, has called for a state of emergency in Northern Nigeria due to the “extraordinary” scale of insecurity, and what seems to be a direct response to the demand, President Tinubu has indicated that the creation of a decentralised police force is now “inevitable”.
He emphasised the need to work with the National Assembly to design a framework that ensures local ownership while maintaining political neutrality.
This declaration signals a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to security, moving past years of hesitation. The President’s conviction was reinforced by the efforts of civilian Joint Task Forces (JTF) and communities in curbing insecurity, particularly in the North-East.
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Several socio-cultural organisations, including Afenifere (a pan-Yoruba group) and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), have long advocated for state policing, viewing it as essential for addressing insecurity and promoting true federalism.
The MBF president, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, highlighted that before military intervention, Nigeria had a dual policing system with the Native Authority (NA) Yan Doka and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), which worked effectively. Afenifere has urged President Tinubu to use his “statecraft dexterity” to expedite the creation of state police within the last quarter of 2025.
Despite broad support, concerns remain regarding the potential for abuse by state governors. The ACF, while supporting state police in principle, stressed that it must pass through all constitutional procedures and not be used against political opponents.
However, Shehu Sani, former senator, in the Nigerian Senate, representing Kaduna state, as well as Anthony Sani, a one time, Secretary General, Arewa Consultative Forum, have expressed concerns that state police could be weaponised by governors against perceived enemies or critics, especially if not adequately funded, trained, and equipped. However, proponents argue that constitutional safeguards can be built into the framework to prevent such abuses.
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The National Economic Council (NEC), led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has been deliberating on the issue, with a majority of states reportedly in agreement with the establishment of state police.
The NEC has set a deadline for all states to submit their positions, with a final endorsement expected after further deliberations and stakeholder engagement.
Governors like Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Dikko Radda of Katsina State have highlighted the limitations of the current centralised system, arguing that direct control over security agencies would significantly improve their ability to combat banditry and other crimes in their respective states.
