Creating state police forces would be a fitting tribute to the late governor’s dedication to regional security and the welfare of the Yoruba people. It is a defining moment for Nigeria to embrace this legacy, fostering unity, progress, and prosperity while ensuring a safer and more secure future for all. President Tinubu, if anything, should champion the establishment of state police as a transformative step toward a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Recent surges in kidnapping incidents, accompanied by alarming ransom payments and a growing lack of transparency within the central police force, have intensified the clamor for transformative change in Nigeria’s policing system. These distressing developments underscore not only the vulnerabilities within the existing centralized policing system but also the compelling arguments for transitioning to a more localized approach to law enforcement.
One resounding solution to alleviate the mounting pressure on the present centralized policing structure in Abuja and across Nigeria is the establishment of state police forces. Nigeria’s sheer size, diversity, and complex security landscape necessitate a decentralized approach to law enforcement. State police can aptly address local security concerns, respond promptly to emerging challenges, and forge a stronger rapport between law enforcement agencies and the communities they protect. This shift from a uniform, centralized approach in Abuja to region-specific policing is indispensable to bolster security, ensure accountability, enhance efficiency, and relieve the central authority of the formidable task of addressing the intricate needs of each region.
The recent and harrowing kidnapping and ransom scandals involving the Imo Traditional Ruler and the Abuja Sisters have thrust into the spotlight the urgent demand for a transition from centralized policing to the establishment of state police forces in Nigeria. These cases serve as glaring examples of the flaws and limitations of the current centralized law enforcement system, which grapples with the multifaceted security challenges that permeate the nation. The kidnapping of Samuel Ohiri, the traditional ruler from Imo State, and his subsequent 13-day ordeal epitomize the challenges faced by remote communities. The central police authority often grapples with delivering timely responses and effective security measures in remote areas, leaving the populace vulnerable to criminal activities. State police forces, endowed with an intimate understanding of the dynamics within their respective regions, can bolster security by tailoring their strategies to address localized threats effectively.
Similarly, the Abuja Sisters’ abduction saga uncovered the shortcomings of the central police force when dealing with high-profile kidnapping cases. Despite the police’s initial claim of a successful rescue, the truth came to light when the victims’ family disclosed that a ransom had been paid for their release. This incident exposed the dearth of transparency and accountability within centralized law enforcement, where misleading information is disseminated to maintain a façade of effectiveness. State police forces, endowed with localized knowledge and community engagement, are better positioned to manage such cases, ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public and that investigations are conducted more effectively.
The advantages of state police are multifaceted, one of which is their capacity to respond promptly and effectively to local security challenges. State police officers, being deeply familiar with local terrains and communities, can provide a more immediate response, thereby mitigating security threats and safeguarding residents.
The implementation of state police forces can alleviate the burden on the centralized policing structure in Abuja, affording it the opportunity to concentrate on broader national security concerns while empowering state police to address local matters. By decentralizing law enforcement, Nigeria can enhance its ability to combat crime, respond agilely to security challenges, and rebuild public trust in the police force. The time has come for the Nigerian government to earnestly contemplate the establishment of state police forces to better serve and protect its citizens, as exemplified by the pressing need brought to light in these two distressing cases.
Furthermore, the establishment of state police can lead to improved intelligence gathering and information sharing, as local officers are more likely to have close ties with communities and sources. This can expedite investigations, disrupt criminal networks, and enhance overall security. We are no loner in the world of the colonial practice of one national police as indicated in the 1943 and other revisions Police Act that allows for the posting of police officers across different regions.
To continue in that manner is counterproductive especially in today’s culture of Nigeria that is shaped by multiple ethnic groups, has over 500 languages and over 1000 dialects and ethnic groups.
With a viable community, culturally and environmentally oriented policing across each state the Nigeria police force, in its old and standing position as a federal police structure can transform into protecting vital national interests and it should be fully transformed and reoriented to function as specialized force responsible for duties like protection of the Federal Capital territory (FCT) engaged in, boundary protection, railway policing and aviation security and other federal related security services.
The existing centralized policing model heaps an overwhelming burden on the authorities in Abuja, who must grapple with a wide spectrum of security concerns across the entire country. By decentralizing law enforcement and empowering local authorities, Nigeria can adapt to the unique security challenges faced by different states. State police forces would not only alleviate the strain on the central police but also foster a stronger connection between law enforcement and communities, thereby rebuilding trust in the process.
As Nigeria confronts its security challenges and strives to improve the safety of its citizens, the establishment of state police forces emerges as a pivotal step in the right direction. It is high time for the government to give serious consideration to this reform, ensuring that law enforcement is better equipped to protect and serve the diverse regions of the country effectively.
In conclusion, the imperative for state police in Nigeria is evident from a multitude of perspectives. It offers a comprehensive solution to the intricate challenges faced by the nation, as exemplified by the recent kidnapping and ransom scandals. Embracing state police forces presents an opportunity for Nigeria to enhance local responsiveness, tailor security strategies, improve intelligence gathering, reduce the strain on central authorities, and promote accountability and transparency. This multifaceted approach can significantly contribute to the nation’s security and the reinstatement of public trust in law enforcement agencies.
The late Ondo State Governor, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, will be remembered for spearheading the formation of the Amotekun Corps, the South Western Security Network. His unwavering commitment to Amotekun serves as a testament to his dedication to regional security. Despite facing legal threats and presidential pressure from the Buhari administration, Akeredolu stood firm in defense of Amotekun and similar initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security across Nigeria.
Akeredolu’s resolute stance for Amotekun led to the establishment of the security network, a vital step in addressing the security challenges in Yorubaland. His dedication was evident in his hometown, Owo, where attacks were seen as retaliation for supporting Amotekun. Initiatives like ‘Amotekun’ should serve as a blueprint for the transformation of regional security efforts into fully operational state police forces. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has faced significant challenges, and its centralized structure has proven inadequate for the diverse security needs of Nigeria’s large and varied population. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a more regionally responsive approach to law enforcement to effectively safeguard the welfare of all citizens.
The argument against the establishment of state police in Nigeria, citing concerns about potential abuse by state governors, appears to lack substantial grounds when viewed in the context of the country’s existing security forces and law enforcement agencies. It is undeniable that misuse and abuse of these forces, including the police and various security agencies, have been observed in Nigeria for some time. To mitigate the risk of abuse associated with state police, it becomes imperative to establish stringent federal laws that set clear boundaries, standards, and oversight mechanisms. These laws should aim to ensure that state police operate within the confines of the law and uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and impartiality, thereby safeguarding against potential abuses of power. By implementing such robust legal frameworks, Nigeria can strike a balance between decentralizing law enforcement and preventing the misuse of state police units.
As Nigeria navigates its security challenges and honors the memory of Governor Akeredolu, there is a call for prominent leaders like President Bola Tinubu to support and honor Akeredolu’s legacy.
Creating state police forces would be a fitting tribute to the late governor’s dedication to regional security and the welfare of the Yoruba people. It is a defining moment for Nigeria to embrace this legacy, fostering unity, progress, and prosperity while ensuring a safer and more secure future for all. President Tinubu, if anything, should champion the establishment of state police as a transformative step toward a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. [email protected]