Some notable and concerned Nigerians, have called on the Nigerian government to implement state policing, criticising what they described as the “discriminatory approach” to security, which prioritises the protection of a few over the safety of the entire nation.
They argued, that State police would enable law enforcement to be more in tune with the specific needs and challenges of local communities, saying officers familiar with the local culture, language, and geography are better equipped to respond effectively to crime and security issues.
They added, that it would bring about, a higher level of accountability, as officers would be directly answerable to state governments and local authorities, adding that it could lead to better oversight and reduce instances of abuse of power.
Those who spoke with The Hope at the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association conference in Lagos, with the theme ” Is state Police a solution to National Insecurity” were; Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) & Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana; the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr.Kayode Ajulo, SAN and Ondo State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.
They stated that State police forces could respond more swiftly to emergencies and security threats, as they would not be hindered by the bureaucracy and delays often associated with a centralised police system.
Falana, on his own, accused state governors of “collectively and unconsciously” relinquishing their constitutional authority over police powers to the president.
Falana highlighted that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, successive presidents have been allowed to unilaterally exercise police power, effectively sidelining the roles of state and local governments in maintaining law and order.
Referring to Section 318, Falana explained that the Constitution defines the government of Nigeria to include the federal, state, and local governments.
“If the federal government can have a federal police force, what stops state and local governments from establishing their own police forces?” he questioned.
The human rights lawyer also pointed to the ongoing security challenges across various states, stating that the lack of state policing has left citizens vulnerable to “torture, kidnapping, and other offences.”
Addressing concerns about the misuse of state security outfits for political purposes, Falana cited the example of Amotekun in Ondo State, which he noted had not been used for political gains.
“It is about security, and if it can work in Ondo State, I believe it can work all over the country,” he added.
Falana urged the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Governors’ Forum to collaborate on actualising the state police concept, arguing that it is essential for addressing the nation’s security challenges effectively.
Creation of Amotekun Rangers by Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa
This new unit has been given a specific mandate to curb the activities of marauders in the forests and ensure that the state’s seaside areas are also secured.
Contributing, Dr Ajulo asserts that the creation of state police forces is imperative to address the persistent issue on insecurity in the Nation.
According to Ajulo, who stated that state police would provide a more localised and responsive approach to law enforcement, allowing officers to develop a deeper understanding of the unique needs and dynamics of their respective communities.
Ajulo believes that a state police system could also foster greater accountability and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the citizens they serve, saying the approach would not only enhance trust and cooperation but also help in security across different states,” he noted.
Akogun Adeleye, while speaking, highlighted the critical role of state policing in addressing grassroots insecurity across the country.
He emphasised that over 90% of criminal activities are localised, making it imperative for security agencies familiar with the terrain to take the lead in combating crime.
He added, that the Corps has arrested, investigated, and prosecuted more than 5,000 criminals in the last three years, saying, in Ondo State during 2020-2021, bank robberies were an annual occurrence. The Ondo State Security Network Agency stepped in to put an end to this.
“To date, the only attempt made by marauders was met with very strong opposition by my men. I led the operation, and since then, they have not attempted it again,” Adeleye stated.
He further disclosed that the agency has successfully tackled the influx of criminal elements into the state’s forests by confronting them directly and distinguishing genuine herders from those involved in various criminal activities.
According to the Amotekun Commander, the success of the agency has been significantly supported by the conducive environment created by the Ondo State Government.
However, Adeleye noted that criminal activities continue to evolve, with an influx of criminal elements into the forests.
Adeleye concluded by advocating for the adoption of state policing as a crucial measure to gradually, if not completely, eradicate insecurity in Nigeria, emphasising that homegrown solutions are currently the most effective means of tackling the country’s security challenges.
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