Magnus Onyibe Advocates Community Policing in Nigeria

Magnus Onyibe, a former Delta State Commissioner and public policy analyst, argues for the establishment of community-based policing in Nigeria in his book, "The Imperative of State Police in Nigeria." He asserts that local knowledge is crucial for effective crime prevention, as communities often serve as the first line of defense against crime. Onyibe reflects on Nigeria's history of military rule, which suppressed dissent and relied on brute force, particularly during events like the Maitatsine Riots in the 1980s.

He notes that the return to democracy in 1999 necessitated a shift from military to police intervention in managing unrest. Onyibe highlights the current security challenges posed by non-state actors, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have exacerbated insecurity in Nigeria.

He emphasizes that the police, constitutionally empowered to maintain law and order, should be re-empowered to address these challenges effectively.