Security experts have opposed the renewed call by the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) for the creation of state police as a solution to insecurity in the region, arguing that it may not effectively address the root causes of the violence.
Some of the experts argue that creating state police could lead to abuse of power by state governors, who might use the security structure to suppress political opposition or settle personal scores.
They emphasise the need to strengthen existing federal security agencies and improve intelligence gathering instead.
‘Why we need state police’
Rising from their meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, the Northern governors insisted that state policing, along with a change in strategy by security agencies, is critical to addressing the violence in Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Borno and Katsina states.
Traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the end of the forum’s meeting, lamented the continued killings despite efforts by security forces.
The forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained commitment to national security but acknowledged recent setbacks in tackling insecurity and other social vices.
They cited the resurgence of Boko Haram in parts of the North East and the outbreak of killings in the North Central, calling for an urgent review of security strategies and stronger coordination among federal, state and local authorities.
“The resurgence of Boko Haram activities in some parts of the North East and the outbreak of violent killings in the North Central call for immediate review of strategies and greater synergy between federal, state and local security architectures,” the NSGF chairman, who is also the Gombe State governor, Inuwa Yahaya, stated in his opening remarks.
The governors urged the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the legal framework required for the establishment of state police.
A communiqué signed by Governor Yahaya, said the resolutions were reached after exhaustive deliberations on the region’s challenges, particularly insecurity.
The communiqué reads: “The forum commends Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained commitment to addressing the security challenges and infrastructural deficits in Northern Nigeria.
“The Forum resolved to liaise with the Nigerian Governors Forum to work out modalities for increasing support to the federal security forces.
“The forum also resolved to strengthen local initiatives in combating all forms of security challenges.
“The forum further resolved to urgently set up inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance across joint borders.
“The forum reiterated its support for the creation of State Police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on enacting the legal framework for its take-off.”
State police not solution – Experts
Some stakeholders and security experts disagreed with the governors’ position, saying the creation of state police could worsen the situation rather than resolve it.
Muhammad Ali, a Kaduna-based security expert, expressed scepticism about the state police initiative, warning that it could become a political tool in the hands of governors.
“Creating state police will only compound the already existing problems. Some of these governors are pushing for it just because they want to make easy money.
“As we speak, some of these governors are receiving over N1 billion as security votes. What have they done with it? They haven’t used it effectively for their states or their citizens,” he said.
Ali said many governors lack the vision and creativity needed to address unemployment, which he identified as one of the root causes of insecurity.
“Insecurity has many dimensions. It’s not just about banditry-there are numerous other factors.
“Governors and emirs should stop insisting on state police. The danger is that, in a democratic setting, governors may weaponise it against opposition parties and political rivals,” he added.
He instead advocated for the reform and expansion of the existing Nigerian Police Force, which currently has fewer than 400,000 officers-a figure he noted is inadequate for a population of over 250 million.
Ali proposed a radical overhaul. “The government should aim to transform the Nigeria Police over the next 10 years. We should recruit no fewer than 300,000 able-bodied men and women as police officers and constables.
“Instead of the NYSC, let’s convert it into a compulsory two-year service in the Nigeria Police, Customs, Immigration, Road Safety, and other enforcement agencies,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of investing in training, welfare and logistics to support effective policing.
“We must stop deceiving ourselves. Creating state police won’t solve the problem. Kaduna has the Vigilance Service; Zamfara has Community Watch; Katsina and Sokoto have theirs too-have these stopped banditry and kidnapping?” he queried.
A retired military officer, Major Yahaya Ibrahim Shinko, warned against rushing into the establishment of state police without first addressing the challenges of sustainable funding and the risk of political misuse.
Speaking to Daily Trust, Major Shinko said security is a round-the-clock responsibility requiring continuous investment in both personnel and infrastructure.
“Security is a 24/7 affair. If one officer is on leave, another must step in immediately. You can’t afford any downtime,” he said.
He expressed concern that many state governments already struggle to fund basic democratic institutions, casting doubt on their capacity to support a state-controlled police force.
“Some governors can’t even fund periodic local government elections. How then will they maintain a year-round security outfit?” he questioned.
Citing examples, he pointed to the State Independent Electoral Commissions, which in places like Kaduna operate with just one office per local government due to limited budgets.
“If these same states are now expected to finance recruitment, training, salaries, accommodation, and weapons for police officers, it will be overwhelming,” Shinko said.
He also warned of possible friction between federal and state security agencies. Referring to the recent tension surrounding the Kano Emirate issue, he said, “If state police existed, we might have witnessed direct clashes between state and federal forces. The federal government cannot impose recognition where state law disagrees.”
On the issue of political misuse, Shinko recalled how federal police have previously been used by state actors to intimidate opponents.
“If a governor had state police under his control, it’s frightening to imagine the extent of unchecked power he might wield,” he said.
Northern problems are Nigeria’s problems – Sultan
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, stated that the security challenges facing the North are national issues and must be treated with collective urgency.
Speaking at the meeting, the Sultan said, “Insecurity is no longer a distant concern-it’s a daily reality. It’s not just a Northern problem; it exists everywhere in the world. But when it affects your home, it becomes most pressing.”
He decried the ongoing killings in Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Borno and other states, emphasising the sanctity of human life.
“One single life matters. We must protect every life. That’s why we must continue to condemn violence and insecurity until we bring the situation under control,” he said.
The sultan acknowledged that total peace may be elusive, but insisted on the need to foster an environment where people can live freely and safely.
“Absolute peace may not exist anywhere in the world, but we can create a society where people move about freely, earn their livelihoods, and raise their families in dignity. That is our collective mission,” he said.
He called for unity among Northern leaders, stressing the importance of identity and shared responsibility.
“We must stand together as a united Northern front for the future of Nigeria. Let’s not shy away from who we are. Yes, we are Northerners, but we are also Nigerians. The problem of the North is the problem of Nigeria,” he added.
While commending President Tinubu’s efforts on national security, the sultan urged sustained pressure to ensure greater action.
He said, “As long as killings persist in our communities, people will continue to feel that nothing is being done. Yes, things are better than they were 10 or 12 years ago, but we must remain vigilant.
“Once you allow a criminal to return, he comes back worse. Our governors must be bold enough to say: Never again.”
