Retired Commissioner of Police Muhammad Wakili, popularly known as Singham, has strongly rejected calls for the creation of state police in Nigeria, warning that such a move would take the country back to the conditions of the 1960s. In an extensive interview with Daily Trust, Wakili argued that decentralising policing would not solve current insecurity challenges and could instead deepen existing institutional weaknesses.
Wakili Warns Against Repeating Past Mistakes
Wakili made his remarks while reflecting on Nigeria’s earlier experiment with a decentralised policing structure, which was later abolished following constitutional changes in the early 1970s. He said the country had already tested that system and should be cautious about revisiting it. Tracing his personal connection to the old structure, he noted that his family history was tied to the Native Authority policing system, where officers operated under local traditional administrations. According to him, that arrangement produced lessons that should not be forgotten.
Wakili warned that human behaviour in governance remains largely unchanged, arguing that power tends to be abused regardless of the system in place. He said there is a risk that state-level policing would simply transfer existing problems from the centre to regional authorities. He also criticised what he described as unchecked authority among political leaders, suggesting that both federal and state executives often act without sufficient regard for public accountability.
Nigeria Police Force Capable if Properly Funded
The retired commissioner maintained that the Nigeria Police Force remains capable of performing effectively if properly equipped and supported. He pointed to the performance of Nigerian officers in international peacekeeping and foreign assignments as evidence of their competence. According to him, the main challenge facing the police is not structure but inadequate funding, poor manpower levels and weak logistics. He said many police formations lack vehicles, modern equipment and decent accommodation, while recruitment levels remain too low for a country of Nigeria’s size.
Wakili also argued that disciplinary gaps within the system have weakened public confidence. He said officers who violate the law are often not held accountable, creating a cycle of impunity that undermines enforcement efforts. He called for reforms centred on better governance, improved discipline and stronger ethical values. He said national progress depends on fairness, accountability and a collective commitment to sacrifice, adding that without these principles, structural changes alone would not resolve Nigeria’s security problems.
Would Decentralised Policing Reduce Banditry?
Addressing insecurity, Wakili questioned whether state police would be able to succeed where federal forces have struggled against Boko Haram, kidnapping and banditry. He argued that there is no evidence that decentralisation would produce better outcomes. Wakili suggested that smaller policing units would likely be limited to minor offences, while major security threats would remain difficult to control. He also raised concerns about training standards and operational capacity.
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian state governors have renewed their push for state police and electricity reforms, agreeing that constitutional frameworks must underpin any new policing structure in the country. According to a communiqué issued at the end of the 2nd meeting of the Nigerian State Governors’ Forum on Wednesday, June 17, governors held dedicated consultations with Attorneys-General to review proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks ahead of a final collective decision.
