The debate over the creation of state police has resurfaced following comments by the presidential running mate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who argued that growing calls for state policing stem from the inability of the Federal Government to effectively address the country’s worsening security situation.
Speaking during an interview on News Central’s 60 Minutes with Mr. Kay, the former Governor of Kano State and former Minister of Defence stated that the increasing support for state police reflects public frustration with the current security architecture rather than a belief that it is the only solution.
According to Kwankwaso, the responsibility for protecting lives and property rests primarily with the Federal Government, and strengthening existing national security institutions should remain the priority.
”The issue of state police came as a result of government failure. The government has failed in the area of security, and people are now looking for alternatives,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as both Minister of Defence and Governor of Kano State, where he served as the state’s Chief Security Officer for eight years, Kwankwaso maintained that an effective federal security system would reduce the need for state police.
He argued that if federal security agencies were adequately equipped, properly coordinated, and effectively managed, state governments would naturally complement national security efforts without the necessity of establishing separate police forces.
Kwankwaso further noted that Nigeria’s current security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and organized crime, require a comprehensive national strategy rather than isolated institutional reforms.
He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments, intelligence agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders to tackle the country’s complex security threats.
Security Debate Continues
The question of whether Nigeria should establish state police has remained one of the country’s most debated constitutional and security issues. Supporters argue that state-controlled police would improve local intelligence gathering, faster emergency response, and community policing.
However, critics have expressed concerns that state police could be abused for political purposes unless strong constitutional safeguards and independent oversight mechanisms are established.
Kwankwaso’s remarks add another perspective to the ongoing national conversation, suggesting that the focus should first be on improving the effectiveness of existing federal security institutions before introducing new policing structures.
As insecurity continues to affect many parts of Nigeria, discussions on security reforms are expected to remain central to public policy and political discourse ahead of future constitutional and governance reforms.