By Obinna Uballa
Security expert Salaudeen Hashimu has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s pronouncement to the effect that the Federal government will commence steps aimed at establishing state police but warned that without strong safeguards, the initiative could be hijacked for political purposes.
Speaking on News Central on Thursday, Hashimu, who served as programme officer at Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Director of Programmes at CLEEN Foundation, said state policing is necessary for modern security management but must be implemented with caution.
“It is very fundamental to say that state police is a framework that offers citizens a sense of guaranteed protection. But there is a difference between state police and state policing,” Hashimu explained.
He noted that Tinubu’s reference to the civilian Joint Task Force suggests elements of state policing, which involves local security stakeholders.
“If you are talking about state police, two frameworks must define it: one, it must be locally owned, and two, there must be guaranteed neutrality. And that is one of the biggest fears, political interference. Considering our political history, ensuring independence will be a major challenge,” Hashimu cautioned.
While supporting the proposal, he urged caution: “We have seen governors swear that banditry and local security resolution would happen in two months if they had command and control. That is why we must be circumspect before making this decision. State police is not something we can wish away, but the system must mature institutionally to prevent abuse. Overall, it is a modern policing system that has proven effective globally.”
Hashimu’s remarks are coming against the background of Tinubu’s declaration that creating state police is “unavoidable” in the fight against insecurity.
While speaking recently during meetings with delegations from Katsina and North-East governors in Abuja, Tinubu said the Federal Government is engaging the National Assembly on a legal framework for its establishment.
“I am reviewing all aspects of security; I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically,” Tinubu said, assuring that insecurity will be defeated through strategy, technology, and coordinated effort.
He also directed security agencies to reassess their operations in Katsina, while announcing the acquisition of drones.
The President’s statement has drawn widespread support from regional groups. Afenifere described the move as “long overdue,” while the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) hailed it as “a step in the right direction.”
Oba Olu Falae, Afenifere leading figure and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said: “State police is something we should have had 50 years ago. Policing is a local matter. Until you have local policing, you won’t have effective policing in Nigeria.”
On his MBF President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, also backed the plan, arguing that decentralised policing is a key feature of true federalism.
“We have been advocating for state police and even local government police. Governors are not in control of the national security architecture, so having state police similar to what existed before the military era is the best option,” Pogu stated.
However, fears about political misuse persist. Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, claimed recently that he could end banditry in his state within two months if he controlled security agencies.
“I can tell you the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in Zamfara. If I had the power to command security forces, banditry would end in two months,” Lawal said in a viral video.
Despite these concerns, advocates argue that the benefits far outweigh the risks if proper safeguards are in place.
