As Senate passes State Police Bill, human rights leader warns of dire consequences for Nigeria's fragile security
Following the Senate's passage of the State Police Bill on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Coalition of International Human Rights Organisations in Kano State, Comrade A.A. Haruna Ayagi, has issued a stark warning against the proposed establishment of state police, cautioning that the initiative could deepen ethnic divisions, encourage political persecution, and create jurisdictional conflicts among security agencies .
Fears of Heightened Ethnic Sentiments
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Ayagi argued that Nigeria has yet to overcome its existing security and ethnic challenges, and decentralising policing powers at this stage could aggravate the country's already fragile security situation .
"There is a likelihood of heightened ethnic sentiments because the country is still grappling with issues of ethnic divisions. If every state controls its own police, officers may administer justice based on local customs, traditions and prevailing social attitudes in their respective states," he warned .
This concern echoes broader apprehensions that state-controlled police could reflect and reinforce local power structures, particularly in states dominated by specific ethnic groups. Minority groups or non-indigenes could face discrimination, selective enforcement, or outright victimisation, further fragmenting an already divided society .
Political Persecution Fears
Ayagi also expressed deep concerns that governors and other political office holders could exploit state police structures to suppress dissent and intimidate opposition figures, particularly during election periods .
"Politicians may use state police as a tool to intimidate and silence their political opponents, especially during elections, in order to consolidate their hold on power," he stated .
The warning comes amid historical evidence of political interference in Nigeria's security institutions. Critics have pointed to recent instances of alleged misuse of federal police powers, including arrests and detentions linked to political rivalries in states such as Kaduna and Kebbi, warning that state police would be even more vulnerable to abuse . With the 2027 general elections approaching, the concern that state-controlled forces could be weaponised for political persecution has intensified .
Jurisdictional Conflicts Looming
Ayagi further warned that the establishment of state police could trigger frequent disputes between federal and state security agencies over operational mandates and areas of authority .
"There could be persistent conflicts between federal and state police over jurisdiction. For instance, state police may make arrests which federal police could challenge as being outside their authority, and vice versa. This clash of jurisdiction may undermine effective law enforcement," he explained .
This concern is widely shared among legal analysts, who note that without a clearly defined framework, multiple autonomous police forces could lead to duplication of efforts, confusion over authority, and delayed investigations. Criminals could exploit institutional gaps, and coordination failures could undermine national security .
Impact on Community Security Outfits
Ayagi added that the introduction of state police might negatively affect existing community-based security outfits such as vigilante groups and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) .
"This may discourage members of vigilante groups and the Civilian JTF from continuing their sacrifices, as they may feel their efforts are no longer valued after new security structures are given priority over them," he said .
Mixed Reactions Nationwide
The Senate's passage of the State Police Bill on Wednesday has reignited the national debate over decentralised policing in Nigeria . While southern groups and some northern leaders have welcomed the move as a long-overdue reform, significant opposition persists, particularly among northern elders concerned about political abuse and ethnic tensions .
Some proponents argue that state police would enhance intelligence gathering, improve response times, and strengthen community trust, enabling states to address peculiar security challenges within their jurisdictions . However, critics maintain that without robust safeguards, the reform could create more problems than solutions for Nigeria .
The Bill is now expected to progress through further legislative processes, but concerns raised by Ayagi and other stakeholders suggest that the debate over state police is far from settled.
Tags:
News