Urgent Call for State Police to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria

The article by John G Ikubaje emphasizes the critical need for state police in Nigeria to tackle the country's deep-rooted security challenges. It notes that a broad consensus has emerged among various stakeholders, including state governments and the private sector, advocating for the establishment of state police as a viable pathway to ensure peace and security.

However, concerns about potential political interference and abuse of power by state governors remain significant. The article references Nigeria's current security architecture, which has been criticized for its deficiencies in democratic oversight since the post-military era.

It draws parallels with Ethiopia's decentralized police model, which has proven effective in addressing security challenges at the community level while maintaining a balance between federal and state police functions. The establishment of an independent state police commission in Nigeria, comprising diverse stakeholders, is proposed to ensure accountability and mitigate undue political influence.