By Aaron Ossai
The Niger State Government has declared its support for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, describing decentralised policing as a potential solution to the country’s growing insecurity.
The state government said bringing policing closer to the people would enable security agencies to respond more effectively to the peculiar security challenges confronting communities.
A representative of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who spoke on behalf of the governor at a lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps on State Police said the state was committed to exploring practical approaches to addressing insecurity.
He said the increasing rate of crime across the country had made it necessary to reconsider Nigeria’s existing security architecture and develop a system capable of responding to the specific needs of different communities.
“Based on the problems we face, everything happens in our communities and cities. This is why we believe there is a need to bring policing closer to the people,” he said.
According to him, Niger State has taken a position in support of state police, expressing optimism that other states would also support the initiative as part of efforts to improve security across the country.
The governor’s representative noted that insecurity remained a concern for Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations or social backgrounds, stressing that citizens wanted a security system that could guarantee their safety and protect their communities.
He said an effective policing structure should enable residents to conduct their daily activities without fear of attacks, crime or other security threats.
The representative added that the governor would have loved to attend the engagement personally but delegated him to represent the state and convey his appreciation to the organisers for providing a platform for discussions on the future of policing in Nigeria.
He commended the House of Representatives Press Corps for bringing stakeholders together to examine the state police proposal and other possible reforms to the country’s security framework.
He said the initiative deserved serious consideration as the government continued to search for sustainable solutions to the security challenges confronting the nation.
The renewed support from Niger State adds to the ongoing national debate over the proposed establishment of state police, with advocates arguing that decentralisation could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based security and ensure quicker responses to local threats.
However, the implementation of state police would require careful consideration of the legal, administrative and operational arrangements necessary to ensure professionalism, accountability and protection against possible political interference.
The debate has continued to attract attention from political leaders, lawmakers and other stakeholders as Nigeria seeks more effective ways to tackle insecurity and strengthen public safety.
