HallowMace Foundation Africa welcomes the passage of the constitutional amendment bill by the Senate seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, describing it as a significant step towards addressing the nation’s growing security challenges.
For decades, Nigerians have called for a more decentralized policing structure capable of responding swiftly and effectively to local security threats. The increasing cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal conflicts, and other forms of criminality have exposed the limitations of an over-centralized policing system in a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria.
The move by the Senate therefore represents an important milestone in the ongoing effort to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen internal security management at the grassroots level.
However, while HallowMace Foundation Africa supports the concept of state policing, we remain concerned about the potential for abuse and political manipulation if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
One of the major fears surrounding state police is the possibility of governors exercising excessive control over the security outfit, thereby using it as a tool to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissenting voices, influence elections, or settle political scores.
Given Nigeria’s political realities, these concerns cannot be ignored.
To ensure that state police serves the interests of the people rather than those of political office holders, there must be clear constitutional provisions guaranteeing operational independence, professional recruitment processes, accountability mechanisms, and effective oversight by state legislatures, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and relevant federal institutions.
Furthermore, recruitment into state police formations must reflect the diversity of each state and adhere strictly to merit, professionalism, and respect for human rights. There should also be a clearly defined framework for collaboration between state police and federal security agencies to avoid jurisdictional conflicts and ensure seamless intelligence sharing.
HallowMace Foundation Africa believes that the success of state policing will not be determined merely by its creation but by the quality of the legal and institutional frameworks established to guide its operations.
We therefore call on the National Assembly, state governments, security experts, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to engage in extensive consultations before the final implementation of the policy. The objective must be to create a policing system that enhances security, protects citizens’ rights, strengthens democracy, and promotes public trust.
While the Senate’s action is commendable and represents progress in Nigeria’s search for lasting security solutions, the concerns regarding control, accountability, funding, and potential abuse must be comprehensively addressed to ensure that state police becomes a tool for public safety rather than political oppression.
HallowMace Foundation Africa remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, and advance the security and welfare of all Nigerians.
God Bless Nigeria!
Amb. Anderson Osiebe
Executive Director
HallowMace Africa
Amb. Oguh Hyginus John
Head, Public Communications Desk
HallowMace Foundation Africa
