Amidst the pressing security concerns across Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has insisted that the country is not “mature” enough for state policing.
He expressed this viewpoint during a national dialogue on state police in Abuja themed ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’.
AIG Ben Okolo, representing the IGP at the event organized by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, reiterated the leadership’s position on the matter. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF“Nigeria Not Yet Ready for State Police”, Says IGP, Despite Calls for Change) leadership contends that the potential risks outweigh the benefits of establishing state-controlled police.
Among the concerns of the IGP is the potential for abuse of power by state political leaders. He cautioned that state governors might exploit their control over police forces for personal or political gains, potentially compromising human rights and overall security. Also, there are apprehensions regarding jurisdictional conflicts that could arise.
The IGP suggested integrating agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety into a department under the Nigerian police, are alternatives to address the mounting security challenges. He stated the need for increased recruitment and training of police personnel to bolster security efforts.
Despite these assertions, former President Goodluck Jonathan , also in attendance, stated the urgency of implementing a state police, considering the escalating cases of kidnapping and other crimes. His sentiment was echoed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the police force based on inputs from the national dialogue.
