The Northern Progressive Elders Group has urged the Federal Government to resist calls for the creation of state police, warning that such a move could worsen political crises and insecurity in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the group in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Thursday, a senior member, Yusuf Abubakar, argued that while insecurity remains a major challenge across Nigeria, particularly in the North and the South-West state-controlled police forces are not the solution.
According to the group, the nation already has multiple security agencies, including the federal police and the military, but the real problem lies in the politicisation of security matters.
“Today, people celebrate attacks on communities based on political affiliations,” the statement noted, accusing both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party of exploiting tragedies for partisan advantage.
“Instead of creating state police that governors could use against their opponents, what Nigeria needs is justice, rule of law, and a fair application of security measures for all citizens,” he added.
The elders cited recent instances of alleged misuse of federal police powers, including arrests and detentions linked to political rivalries in states such as Kaduna and Kebbi, warning that state police would be even more vulnerable to abuse.
“If the federal police can be used to intimidate or suppress opposition, imagine what state-controlled forces could do in the hands of partisan governors,” the group stated.
creation of state police ahead of the 2027 general elections could deepen political persecution.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to focus on strengthening existing institutions, ensuring accountability, and providing clear public enlightenment on security issues, rather than creating new structures that could undermine democracy.
Barely 17 months after the Tinubu administration first expressed interest in establishing a decentralised police force, calls for its implementation have grown louder.
In February 2024, the Federal Government and the 36 states began talks on creating state police after an emergency meeting between the President and governors.
Each state was asked to submit reports on the proposal, but full deliberations at the National Economic Council have been delayed three times.
The renewed calls come amid rising insecurity, with killings, kidnappings, and other violent incidents straining the capacity of the national police.
Analysts say the centralised system is overstretched, while proponents argue that decentralisation would allow quicker, locally tailored responses. Critics, however, warn that state-controlled forces could be politicised.
