Calls Mount for State Police and Sweeping National Security Overhaul

The imperative for deeper democratic reforms, strengthened security coordination, and sustained commitment to democratic governance recently converged in Akure, Ondo State, during a broad-based commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. Hosted at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), the event brought together prominent figures including the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and elder statesman Oba Olu Falae, the Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo, alongside political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, youths, civil society organizations, and security agencies.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, establishing a continuing benchmark for credible elections founded on accountability, the rule of law, and public trust. He emphasized that democracy is an evolving project requiring constant institutional strengthening, referencing the 1993 presidential election as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history and a clear expression of the people’s will, which should serve as a reference point for electoral integrity. The Governor highlighted the anniversary as an opportunity for sober reflection on Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 election cycle amidst persistent security challenges. He cautioned that insecurity directly threatens democratic consolidation by weakening civic participation and eroding public confidence, asserting that democracy cannot thrive where citizens are intimidated or unsafe. Governor Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to Oba Olu Falae as a respected elder statesman and an enduring voice in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, and commended Senator Oshiomhole for his insightful lecture drawn from extensive experience in labour activism and governance. Reaffirming June 12 as a national benchmark for credible elections and unity, he acknowledged ongoing federal efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in security coordination through the National Security Council and inter-agency collaboration. For Ondo State, he reiterated his administration’s commitment under the OUR EASE Agenda to strengthening safety, infrastructure development, and welfare-driven governance. He disclosed that the Amotekun Corps had been significantly strengthened through enrolment into the Contributory Pension Scheme, the introduction of medical allowances, and the recruitment of 500 additional personnel to boost operational capacity. These measures, he explained, aim to close security gaps and sustain peace, emphasizing that development cannot flourish amidst insecurity. He extended sympathy to victims of recent attacks and abductions across the country, urging collective action against insecurity and advocating for civility in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, insisting on free participation without intimidation or violence and ensuring every vote counts.

On the crucial matter of State Police, Governor Aiyedatiwa declared Ondo State’s full preparedness for the proposed initiative. He noted that the state has long been ready, with structures built during his predecessor’s tenure, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, which he has further strengthened. He affirmed the availability of both structure and personnel, with the remaining requirement being the approval for needed sophisticated weapons and equipment to enhance their effectiveness beyond the lawful equipment already possessed.

In his lecture, Senator Adams Oshiomhole articulated June 12 as a profound symbol of courage, resilience, and democratic conviction, anchored on the enduring legacy of the late MKO Abiola, whom he hailed as the conscience of the Nigerian nation. Oshiomhole recalled Abiola’s unwavering refusal to relinquish his mandate under military pressure from General Ibrahim Babangida and later General Sani Abacha, actions that established him as a global emblem of democratic struggle and sacrifice. He recounted his own role as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during negotiations with the military regime, acknowledging Oba Olu Falae’s significant contributions to labour-government engagements during those tumultuous years. Oshiomhole highlighted the 1993 election as a demonstration of rare national unity, where Nigerians transcended ethnic and religious divides to cast their votes. He stated that celebrating Abiola is an affirmation of courage, consistency, doggedness, commitment to nationhood, and fearlessness. He criticized the increasing influence of religion in politics, describing it as a distortion of political understanding, and underscored that June 12 serves as a reminder of Nigerians who commanded respect across all regions of the country. Oshiomhole also acknowledged democratic progress since 1999, citing reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and provisions allowing the suspension of elections where technology fails. He defended the National Assembly's scrutiny of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following audit reports alleging approximately ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds, asserting this as an essential oversight duty. He expressed support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, portraying fuel subsidy as a pervasive source of corruption and distortion. Furthermore, he criticized the abolition of History as a school subject, deeming it misplaced and arguing that young Nigerians must be educated about their origins.

Oba Olu Falae, reflecting on his personal sacrifices during the June 12 struggle, described it as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s political evolution. He recounted how Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for Abiola in a credible election that was subsequently annulled, triggering widespread national outrage and resistance. The annulment, he noted, catalyzed organized resistance, including the formation of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and sustained opposition to military rule. Falae issued a stern warning that military rule must never return to Nigeria, emphasizing that the struggle, despite involving detention, exile, and loss of lives, ultimately paved the way for the current democratic order.

Coinciding with these calls for democratic fortification, momentum is building nationally towards the realization of state police, one of Nigeria’s most debated security reforms. The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, with the Senate also advancing the proposal through its Second Reading. Mukhtari Shagari, former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and ex-Minister of Water Resources, has urged the National Assembly to end years of debate and swiftly approve the creation of state police, warning that further delay risks deeper insecurity for the nation. Details of the proposed constitutional amendment, obtained by THISDAY, reveal a comprehensive framework designed to fundamentally restructure policing in Nigeria by establishing separate Federal and State Police formations with clearly defined responsibilities, powers, and oversight mechanisms. This amendment seeks to formally establish two distinct policing institutions—the Federal Police and State Police—marking potentially one of the most significant security reforms since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Under the proposal, each state would be empowered to establish its own police service through legislation enacted by its House of Assembly, while the Federal Police would retain responsibility for national security and federal law enforcement functions. Critically, State Police would not commence operations automatically; states seeking to establish these services must first enact relevant laws and meet national minimum standards prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly before receiving certification. Transitional provisions ensure that the Federal Police would continue performing all policing functions in states until their respective police formations become fully operational. A major highlight of the proposed amendment is the attempt to balance state policing powers with safeguards against abuse and excessive federal interference. The Federal Police would be prohibited from interfering in a state’s internal security affairs except under clearly defined circumstances, such as a complete breakdown of law and order beyond the State Police's capacity, a formal request for assistance from a governor, or if a state police force becomes unable to function due to administrative, financial, or operational challenges. Even in these instances, federal intervention would require prior approval from the National Police Council. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), however, would remain under the exclusive jurisdiction and operational control of the Federal Police.

The amendment also outlines new command structures. The Federal Police would be headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP), appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council and confirmed by the National Assembly. The IGP would exercise command and operational control over the entire Federal Police structure, including federal contingents deployed across the states. Similarly, each State Police Service would be headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP), appointed by the governor on the advice of the National Police Council and confirmed by the State House of Assembly. While governors would have the authority to issue lawful directives on public safety and security, safeguards are introduced by allowing CPs to refer any directive they deem unlawful or inconsistent with established policing standards to the National Police Council for a final determination. Strict conditions are also proposed for the removal of top police officers. The IGP could only be removed by the President based on the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to approval by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. State CPs could only be removed by governors following recommendations from the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of their respective State Houses of Assembly. Grounds for removal include grave misconduct, violations of police regulations, fraud-related convictions, bankruptcy, and mental incapacity.

Addressing concerns about financial sustainability, the proposal empowers the federal government to provide grants and financial assistance to states for policing purposes, subject to recommendations by the National Police Council and approval by the National Assembly. The existing Nigeria Police Council would be restructured into a more expansive National Police Council with broader oversight responsibilities covering both federal and state police institutions. This reconstituted council would include representatives from federal and state governments, civil society organizations, labour unions, traditional institutions, legal practitioners, journalists, and human rights bodies. Its responsibilities would include the appointment and discipline of federal police officers, supervision of policing standards nationwide, coordination of intelligence systems, forensic services, and training standards, as well as recommending senior state police officers for appointment. Additionally, the proposal creates State Police Service Commissions in each state to oversee the recruitment, discipline, promotion, and administration of state police personnel. These commissions would include representatives from key stakeholders such as the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress, National Human Rights Commission, Public Complaints Commission, traditional rulers, and retired senior police officers.

The draft amendment seeks to place policing on the Concurrent Legislative List, empowering both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to make laws relating to policing within their respective jurisdictions. While the National Assembly would retain authority over national policing standards, firearms regulation, inter-governmental cooperation, and federal intervention procedures, states would gain powers to establish, fund, and administer their police services in line with constitutional provisions. Importantly, the bill prohibits the National Assembly from enacting laws that would grant federal authorities routine powers to appoint, deploy, transfer, discipline, or control state police personnel, except in circumstances specifically authorized by the Constitution. Consequential amendments to several sections of the Constitution are also proposed to replace references to the Nigeria Police Force with the new Federal Police and State Police structures, including adjustments to the Exclusive Legislative List, provisions for forensic services, biometric databases, policing standards, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

The emergence of this proposal reflects growing calls for the decentralization of policing in response to escalating insecurity across the country, encompassing banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal conflicts. Advocates argue that governors, as constitutional chief security officers of their states, require operational control over security institutions to effectively tackle local challenges. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential political abuse, funding constraints, and the possibility of state police forces being used as instruments of political intimidation. The proposed constitutional safeguards appear designed to address these concerns while creating a framework for cooperation between federal and state security institutions. For the proposal to become law, it must secure approval by two-thirds of the members of both chambers of the National Assembly and subsequently receive the endorsement of at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly. If passed, this amendment would signify a historic shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, potentially redefining policing and internal security management across the federation.