A Return to Roots: Why State Police is a Necessary Step for Nigeria’s Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a National Security Emergency and the accompanying directives mark a crucial moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against insecurity. At the heart of his plan lies a bold initiative: the establishment of State Police.

While some voices, even those who have long clamored for improved security, have raised concerns, their skepticism often stems from a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s rich and often-overlooked history of policing.

The criticisms leveled against State Police, particularly the fear of political manipulation and its use as a tool for oppression, are valid concerns that must be addressed. However, dismissing the concept entirely is a disservice to the historical context that illuminates its potential for success. To understand the viability of State Police, we must look to the past.

Before the unfortunate centralization that followed the 1966 coup, Nigeria boasted a system of decentralized policing that, in many ways, was far more effective in maintaining law and order than the current federal structure. The Native Authority Police, operating under the oversight of traditional rulers and local governments, provided a crucial layer of security that was deeply rooted in the communities they served. These forces, in the North and West, were often integrated into the very fabric of society, answerable to the Emirs, Obas, and local councils, who understood the unique challenges and dynamics of their respective regions.

Historical records demonstrated he efficacy of these local forces. The Northern Region, for instance, saw success in mitigating farmer-herder clashes through initiatives like the Burti system, which regulated migratory routes. The very language used to describe these early law enforcement agents, like the Yoruba word “Olopa,” illustrates their community-oriented approach, derived from their role as wielders of authority within their specific contexts.

The tragic irony is that these successful, localized policing structures were dismantled by the very forces that promised a unified Nigeria. The post-coup centralization, driven by the desire for resource control, swept away the regional police forces and Native Authority Police, replacing them with a monolithic federal system. This centralization, while intended to unify, ultimately stripped communities of their ability to effectively police themselves, leaving a vacuum that contributed to the escalating security challenges we face today.

The President’s initiative is not a leap into the unknown but a return to a proven model, one that leverages the strengths of local knowledge and accountability. It is a recognition that effective security is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a nuanced endeavor that requires a deep understanding of local contexts.

While the concerns surrounding potential abuse are valid and must be addressed through robust oversight mechanisms, the advantages of State Police are undeniable.

President Tinubu’s call for State Police is not just a policy initiative; it is a recognition of history and a pragmatic solution to a complex problem. By embracing this approach, we can begin to rebuild a security architecture that is not just effective but also rooted in the principles of community ownership and accountability. Let us move forward, learning from the past to build a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians.