All Nigerian 36 States Back State Policing Proposal Amid Escalating Security Challenges Across Various Regions

Israel Adeleke 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that amid escalating security challenges across Nigeria, all 36 Nigerian states have now agreed to the creation of state police, according to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna, who announced this after the 146th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

OTN News further reports that the decision comes amid multiple security threats across the country, including insurgency, banditry, and separatist violence in various regions. 

Speaking with the press men, Governor Sani highlighted the critical need for state police, noting that current national security agencies lack sufficient personnel to cover the entire country.

He said "Knowing fully well that we have a lot of ungoverned space in Nigeria, and also that we have a deficit in terms of number of boots on ground, the establishment of state police is the way forward toward addressing the problem of insecurity in our country."

Despite widespread support, the proposal is not without controversy as Critics argue that state police could potentially be misused by governors to suppress political opponents.

However, the NEC has decided to postpone final discussions until its January 2025 meeting, with plans for further stakeholder engagement. 

OTN News observed that if ultimately approved, the proposal would require National Assembly legislation to implement.