By Sarah NEGEDU
HallowMace Foundation Africa has welcomed the passage of the constitutional amendment bill by the Nigerian Senate seeking to establish state police.
It described it as a significant step towards addressing the nation’s growing security challenges.
In a statement on Wednesday, the foundation noted that, “for decades, Nigerians have called for a more decentralized policing structure capable of responding swiftly and effectively to local security threats.
“The increasing cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal conflicts, and other forms of criminality have exposed the limitations of an over-centralized policing system in a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria.”
The statement signed by Anderson Osiebe, executive director, and Oguh Hyginus John, head, public communications, of the Foundation, said the move by the Senate represents an important milestone in the ongoing effort to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen internal security management at the grassroots level.
“However, while HallowMace Foundation Africa supports the concept of state policing, we remain concerned about the potential for abuse and political manipulation if adequate safeguards are not put in place,” it noted.
According to the duo, to ensure that state police serves the interests of the people rather than those of political office holders, there must be clear constitutional provisions guaranteeing operational independence, professional recruitment processes, accountability mechanisms, and effective oversight by state legislatures, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and relevant federal institutions.
Furthermore, recruitment into state police formations must reflect the diversity of each state and adhere strictly to merit, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
There should also be a clearly defined framework for collaboration between state police and federal security agencies to avoid jurisdictional conflicts and ensure seamless intelligence sharing.
“HallowMace Foundation Africa believes that the success of state policing will not be determined merely by its creation but by the quality of the legal and institutional frameworks established to guide its operations,” it observed.
“We therefore call on the National Assembly, state governments, security experts, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to engage in extensive consultations before the final implementation of the policy. The objective must be to create a policing system that enhances security, protects citizens’ rights, strengthens democracy, and promotes public trust.”
