The persistent wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, with victims stolen like mere objects in states such as Oyo, Borno, Kebbi, Katsina, Kwara, Zamfara, and Niger, has reignited calls for the establishment of state police. Lawmakers, governors, and concerned citizens argue that a decentralized policing system would bring the government closer to its fundamental duty of protecting lives and property. According to Amnesty International, at least 1,100 people were abducted in northern Nigeria between January and April alone. The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) cites the Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities, estimating that over 23,000 Nigerians have been kidnapped since 2019. The actual figure is likely much higher. No human being should be stolen in a country with a functioning government. Nigerians yearn for safety, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the cost and pain of insecurity, vowing to make a difference. Yet the problem seems insurmountable, fueled by resilient criminal networks and global jihadist involvement.
The Growing Crisis and State Failure
In late May, the Oyo State governor urgently called for state police after 45 people, including teachers and children as young as two, were abducted on May 15. He accused the federal government of deceiving Nigerians. The alarming insecurity epidemic points to state failure, abdication of responsibility, and public helplessness, despite occasional reports of security agencies doing their best. The Armed Forces of Nigeria have been drawn into this emergency, but soldiers are overstretched performing police duties. The police are overwhelmed, while bandits and terrorists commoditize human beings for ransom, showing greater determination than security agencies. Some communities have resorted to self-help, forming militias and vigilante groups, while others have abandoned homes and farms. This is the grim reality. Nigerians have also learned to provide their own water and electricity due to state failures, with many families relying on generators or solar panels. The easiest way to live in Nigeria is to become a local government unto yourself. Many compatriots abroad or planning to emigrate illegally seek to experience a society where basic necessities are taken for granted. The saddest part is the degeneration of communities into killing fields and the spread of ungoverned spaces. Terrorists and bandits boldly advertise their evil on social media, respecting no one and covering the entire territory from north to south. About seven generals have been abducted, including Major General Idris Alkali, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Major General Peter Ademokhai, Major General Edet Akpan, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), who was kidnapped with his wife en route to a wedding in Katsina. It may not be long before terrorists storm a Government House and kidnap a sitting governor.
Historical Context and Previous Efforts
The debate over state police is not new. Each surge in kidnappings and banditry revives the conversation until it fades away. During the 2014 National Political Conference convened by President Goodluck Jonathan, delegates approved state police, allowing states to establish, finance, and control their own forces within their jurisdictions, while federal police would handle federal offences. Advocates argue that state police aligns with federalist principles. Professor Kemi Rotimi, author of "The Police in a Federal State: The Nigerian Experience" (2001), notes that Nigeria is set to reintroduce federalist policing principles from pre-1966. Before the 1966 military coup, native authority police forces existed in the Northern and Western regions. The Benin Division had local government police abolished in 1963. All such structures lost independence in 1966 under Decree No. 1 and Decree No. 34 (The Unification Decree), centralizing police under an Inspector General. This legacy persists in Sections 214–216 of the 1999 Constitution. To create state police, the Constitution must be amended per Section 9. In July 2018, the 8th National Assembly attempted this when Senator Ike Ekweremadu tabled a State Police Bill. It sought a dual-tier structure with federal and state police, along with commissions. The bill passed first reading in the Senate with 75 of 109 senators supporting it, and a similar bill in the House reached second reading. Senate President Bukola Saraki met with state assembly speakers to secure concurrence, as Section 9 requires a four-fifths majority in both chambers and approval from two-thirds of state assemblies. The bill failed due to fears of abuse by governors, lack of funding, and insufficient safeguards. Ekweremadu proposed establishment within ten days if political will existed, but eight years later, the subject remains unresolved.
Current Developments and Political Will
President Tinubu has consistently advocated state police to strengthen security. State governors have supported it since 2018 when the Nigeria Governors' Forum endorsed state policing. In March 2024, 16 governors submitted memos calling for constitutional review. By December 2024, the National Economic Council reported all 36 governors endorsed state police. In March 2026, the Nigeria Governors' Forum formally submitted proposals to the National Security Adviser and National Assembly. Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu followed with a 75-page operational framework sent to the Senate, along with a seven-member committee. Two months later, the National Assembly announced it would commence the amendment process from Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele stated there would be no further delay in transmitting the bill to the 36 states. This should be one of the most debated bills in Nigeria's contemporary history, requiring policing to move from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List. Can it be done in ten days as Ekweremadu proposed? Is the timing right during election season? Are all governors as committed as they claim, or will this effort end like previous ones?
Opposition and Concerns
Major opponents include Mohammed Bello Adoke, Attorney General from 2010–2015, who argued in 2012 and his book "Burden of Service" (2019) that Nigeria's democratic structures are not mature for decentralized policing. He believes the Nigeria Police should remain federal to prevent regional fragmentation, weaponization by governors, and proliferation of local armies. While he supports federalism, he insists the time is not ripe. Retired police officers often advocate community policing, decentralized forces, mass recruitment, and better welfare, but many exhibit territorialism and a "guardian syndrome," unable to imagine a different police force. Those fearing abuse are in the majority, but optimists believe challenges can be addressed. The bottom line is for governors to have a say in protecting their constituents. However, how many governors are truly enthusiastic beyond making politically correct statements? They must become strong advocates for peace and progress.
Examples of Governor Leadership
In 2016, Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose declared war against herdsmen attacking his people, stating, "Everything you need me to do, I will do. The moment you are not secure, I better resign. Nobody will take Ekiti away from us. This killing of our people must stop. It is deliberate, and we must take all actions to stop it." He joined security agents to chase bandits into forests. Ten years later, his words ring true. Current governors have established security outfits and vigilante groups, but managing state police requires greater commitment. The late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, led the creation of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Operation Amotekun) in the South West. He personally led operations, recruited forest guards, and wore the uniform with pride. When the Buhari administration opposed Amotekun, Akeredolu stood firm. If state police succeeds, groups like Amotekun, Ebube Agu in the South East, Operation Crush in Akwa Ibom, Anambra Vigilante Group, Benue Volunteer Guards, and Civilian Joint Task Forces in the North should be integrated. Proposals should be made public for participatory scrutiny to ensure transparency and ownership. This is election season, and many lawmakers who should consider the bill lost in party primaries, leaving them distracted and aggrieved. This may be the major stumbling block this time around.
