DAWN Commission Partners with Media and Security Experts to Develop Blueprint for State Police in South West
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has initiated a collaborative effort with security experts, media practitioners, and various stakeholders to design a comprehensive operational framework for the establishment of State Police. This initiative is part of strategic measures to combat the escalating cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes plaguing the South West region of Nigeria.
Stakeholders Meeting in Ibadan Highlights National Necessity
At a pivotal stakeholders' meeting titled "Foundational Imperatives for State Police in South West Nigeria," held in Ibadan, participants unanimously stressed that the creation of state police has become a national imperative. This urgency is driven by the worsening security challenges across the country, which have highlighted the limitations of the current federal policing system.
Director-General Oyeleye Outlines Regional Preparedness
In his opening remarks, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, explained that the gathering was convened in response to growing federal momentum toward state policing. He noted that President Bola Tinubu has prioritized this initiative since assuming office in 2023, with advocacy efforts intensifying in recent months.
Oyeleye emphasized that the South West region has resolved to begin preparatory work proactively, rather than waiting for the formal establishment of state police. With a bill already before the National Assembly, the region considers it crucial to develop a guiding template that will shape how state police will operate across the six South West states: Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
While acknowledging the likelihood of a national framework, Oyeleye warned against a uniform "one size fits all" approach, which he described as inconsistent with Nigeria's federal structure. He stressed the need to accommodate regional peculiarities to ensure effectiveness and local relevance.
Addressing Operational Limitations and Abuse Concerns
Oyeleye defended the Nigeria Police Force, attributing its operational limitations largely to inadequate manpower. He noted that with a population exceeding 200 million people, the current force of about 450,000 officers is insufficient for effective policing nationwide.
The framework being developed will be forwarded to South West governors to guide policy decisions, with optimism that state policing could become operational by the first quarter of 2027. Addressing fears that governors might abuse state police structures, Oyeleye described such concerns as outdated. He cited the regional security outfit, Amotekun, which has operated since 2020 without evidence of misuse, as a positive example.
He added that both Amotekun and state police could function simultaneously within the region's security architecture, offering flexibility for governors to redefine roles. This could include deploying Amotekun as forest rangers if necessary, enhancing overall security coverage.
Expert Insights on Implementation and Public Trust
Professor Isaac Olawale Albert of the University of Ibadan's Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies argued that the debate should now focus on implementation rather than the desirability of state police. He warned that stakeholders must critically examine the weaknesses of the federal policing system to avoid replicating existing failures, advocating for a research-driven and analytical approach.
Albert also called for lessons from community-based and informal security initiatives to be integrated into the proposed structure. This integration is essential to build public trust and ensure that the new system resonates with local communities.
Emphasis on People-Centered and Humane Policing
Adewale Adeoye, Executive Director of Journalists for Democratic Rights, emphasized that state policing must be people-centered and rooted in local realities. He stated that security should involve citizens at every stage, from conception to implementation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Adeoye stressed the need for a South West policing model that reflects the region's unique crime patterns while upholding integrity and global standards. He further highlighted the importance of humane policing, urging officers to demonstrate compassion while protecting lives and critical assets, thereby fostering community cooperation.
Comprehensive Regional Template Expected
The meeting attracted a diverse group of participants, including security professionals, retired senior police officers, academics, legal practitioners, and private sector representatives, with some joining virtually. Deliberations are expected to produce a comprehensive regional template that will guide the implementation of state police across the South West once enabling legislation is enacted by the National Assembly.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward enhancing security in the region, aiming to create a more responsive and effective policing system tailored to local needs and challenges.
