Town Hall Meeting Focuses on State Policing in Nigeria

The ARISE News Town Hall Meeting held in Abuja on a Thursday aimed to develop a roadmap for successful state policing in Nigeria. Co-chaired by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the meeting gathered critical stakeholders to discuss the proposal for state police to reduce insecurity.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak emphasized that state policing is a step in the right direction, given Nigeria's vast geography and complex security challenges. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, noted that the current Nigerian police force is insufficient for the population, with one policeman for every 600 citizens.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State expressed full support for state policing, while Senator Adam Oshiomhole raised concerns about potential abuse of power. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State highlighted the need for independent funding for police operations to avoid political interference.

The consensus among participants was that state policing could help address Nigeria's security issues if properly legislated.