Northern Governors Reaffirm Support for State Police Amid Escalating Security Crisis

Northern Governors Reaffirm Support for State Police Amid Escalating Security Crisis

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Growing Consensus on Security Reforms

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has reiterated its unanimous backing for the establishment of state police as a pivotal measure to curb the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria and across the country.

This stance was reaffirmed on Thursday by Isma’ila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs to the NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. According to Misilli, the 19 northern governors had already adopted the proposal earlier this year during a strategic meeting with traditional rulers in Kaduna.

“They unanimously adopted it and asked the National Assembly to expedite action. So now it’s not within their mandate, but with the National Assembly to provide a law for its establishment. The forum is fully in support of the creation of the state police,” Misilli stated.

Presidential Commitment and Regional Outcry

The renewed call follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance that his administration remains committed to establishing state police as part of broader national security reforms.

Akahi News gathered that this development also comes amid growing agitation from northern stakeholders who have repeatedly warned about the deteriorating security situation.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) recently lamented that communities in the region had been “pushed to the wall” and might resort to self-defence if urgent measures were not taken. Similarly, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) urged President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security.

Earlier this week, governors from the six North-East states met with the president in Abuja to express concerns over rising banditry and terrorism that have left thousands displaced and many lives lost.

Concerns Over Funding and Political Misuse

While the call for decentralised policing enjoys significant support, several concerns persist over its implementation. The ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, warned that financial sustainability remains a major hurdle.

“Do you see how some states have issues with salary payments to civil servants? How well prepared are states to fund state police when created? What will happen if state police operatives with arms are not paid at the end of the month?” he queried.

Muhammad-Baba also cautioned against the potential politicisation of state police, stressing that constitutional safeguards must be in place to prevent governors from using security agencies against political rivals.

Former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, voiced similar concerns, suggesting that proponents of state policing might regret the decision in the long run.

“When the President finally approves the state police, you will know the difference between the Federal and the State Police. Enjoy the buffet,” he said wryly.

Anthony Sani, former ACF Secretary General, took an even firmer stance, warning that without adequate funding, training, and professional oversight, newly created state police forces could fail to deliver improved security outcomes.

Path Forward: Legislative Approval Crucial

Despite the reservations, the alignment between the presidency and the NSGF signals growing momentum for state police creation. However, the ultimate responsibility now lies with the National Assembly, which must amend the constitution to formalise the process.

Security experts told Akahi News that while state policing could revolutionise security management, its success would hinge on clear legal frameworks, sustainable funding models, and mechanisms to prevent abuse of power.

Until then, the debate continues as Nigerians watch closely for legislative action that could reshape the country’s security architecture.

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Akahi News
http://www.akahinews.org

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