Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of Police Affairs, emphasized the importance of state police in enhancing local response to crime, improving crime prevention, and strengthening security at the grassroots level.
During the National Dialogue on State Policing themed “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria” in Abuja, the minister proposed a decentralized structure for implementing state policing. He suggested that each state should manage its police force under a framework that ensures cooperation and coordination with federal agencies.
Gaidam recommended a model that involves recruiting, training, and equipping state police officers to meet professional standards, with accountability and oversight mechanisms in place.
He also highlighted the need for an institutional and legal framework that clearly defines the roles, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of state police forces within the national security architecture. This framework should facilitate information sharing, collaboration, and coordination between state and federal agencies to address security challenges effectively.
Stressing the importance of comprehensive national dialogue involving stakeholders at all levels, the minister emphasized the need to consider the unique challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s diverse socio-political landscape when implementing state police.
Gaidam recognized the recent surge in kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and communal conflicts, which have instilled fear, uncertainty, and pain among the populace, posing threats to lives, the economy, social cohesion, and overall development.
While acknowledging the challenges facing state police, Gaidam cautioned against potential risks such as political interference and abuse of power at the state level. Without proper checks and balances, state police forces could be misused for political gains or to suppress dissent, undermining the rule of law and human rights.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by AIG Ben Okolo, outlined challenges hampering police performance, including inadequate manpower, operational equipment shortages, inadequate training, and infrastructure deficiencies.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan echoed the need for state police in managing internal security and emphasized the importance of ensuring its operation within the national security framework. He called for measures to prevent abuse of state police by state actors and cautioned against using the police for political advantages, particularly during elections.