Nigeria Must Establish State Police to Combat Rising Insecurity - Bode George

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

A former Deputy National Chairman, South-West, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has emphasized the urgent need for State Police in Nigeria to address the country's insecurity issues. 

During an interview, George argued that the introduction of state police would help reduce the rise in insurgency. He referred to the constitutional conference committee under former President Jonathan, which highlighted the immediate necessity of State Police. 

George explained, "In a war, you have a defined enemy, but with insurgency and internal insecurity, the enemy is unclear. They can blend in during the day and cause trouble at night.

Therefore, having local community members to police their own areas is crucial because they understand their culture's rules and customs."

"So, they would be better equipped to manage issues within their communities. For God's sake, we need State Police." 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports stating that over the years, insecurity has worsened in the country, with political and religious leaders advocating for state police. In mid-February, President Bola Tinubu and the governors of the 36 states agreed on state police as a solution to the escalating security challenges in Nigeria. 

A month later, 16 governors submitted their reports to the National Economic Council (NEC), expressing support for the creation of state police and the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to facilitate this change," George concluded.