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By Tracy Moses
The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has thrown its weight behind the creation of state police, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
The endorsement was made during the Forum’s meeting held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Kaduna, where all 19 Northern governors and chairmen of the Traditional Councils from their respective states gathered in what is being described as a historic consensus on the future of policing in the country.
Reading the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, announced that the governors had unanimously agreed on the need for state police. He emphasized its potential to empower sub-national governments and ensure a more responsive and localized approach to security.
“The Forum has resolved to support the creation of state police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment of the legal framework for its take-off,” Yahaya said.
He noted that the current centralized policing system is overstretched and ill-equipped to confront the scale and complexity of local security threats, particularly in the Northern region, which has been the epicenter of banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.
The governors also called for enhanced surveillance along interstate borders to curb the movement of criminal elements and strengthen a more coordinated security architecture.
They expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for ongoing efforts in security and infrastructure development and pledged to work closely with the Nigeria Governors Forum to present a united front in tackling national challenges.
The idea of state police is not new. It dates back several decades but gained renewed prominence in 2012 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, as the Boko Haram insurgency escalated. It was then formally proposed at a national security summit. However, widespread fears, especially concerning the potential for political misuse by state governors, stalled its adoption.
Over the years, several prominent figures have continued to advocate for decentralizing Nigeria’s policing system. Notably, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has consistently supported the creation of state police. In 2018, ahead of the general elections, he reiterated his stance, arguing that security must be brought closer to the people.
In 2019, the Buhari administration introduced community policing initiatives across the states. While these programs provided some relief, many stakeholders believe they lack the autonomy and authority required to create meaningful impact.
Similarly, the 2014 National Conference strongly recommended the establishment of state police as part of broader constitutional reforms. Yet, despite growing support, constitutional hurdles and a lack of political will have continued to impede implementation.
The Forum also reiterated its appreciation to the Federal Government for its efforts in addressing security challenges and infrastructural deficits across the country.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to closer collaboration with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) as part of a coordinated national response to Nigeria’s multifaceted security issues.