Insecurity: 16 Governors Endorse State Police, Submit Reports To FG

Sixteen state governors support the implementation of state police in Nigeria, presenting reports to the National Economic Council (NEC).

In a move aimed at addressing the nation’s escalating security challenges, sixteen state governors have endorsed the establishment of state police.

This endorsement, following years of advocacy by prominent Nigerians and security experts, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for enhanced security measures.

Meanwhile,The decision was revealed during the 140th virtual meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who virtually briefed State House Correspondents after the meeting, stated that out of the 36 states, submissions were still pending from 20 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), although he did not specify the states involved.

In addition to advocating for state police, the participating governors emphasized the necessity of revisiting the Nigerian Constitution to accommodate these proposed changes.

Meanwhile, the NEC also received a condensed report from the ad-hoc committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

Moreover,While observing cases of infractions, the committee identified areas of oil leakages within the oil industry.

The clamor for state police reflects a broader consensus among various stakeholders, including political parties and regional socio-political groups. With Nigeria grappling with escalating threats such as kidnapping and banditry, the imperative for localized security solutions has become increasingly apparent.

On February 12, governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reiterated their stance on state policing as the remedy for Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, expressing concerns that the nation is edging dangerously close to a situation akin to Venezuela’s.

Meanwhile,Regional socio-political groups such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum have consistently advocated for state police as a solution to the escalating security challenges facing Nigeria.

Additionally, states in the South-West have established Amotekun, while counterparts in the South-East have formed Ebube Agu. Similarly, the Benue Guards operate in Benue State in the North Central region, with other states like Katsina and Zamfara also implementing similar state-established security outfits in response to the prevalent threat of banditry.

However, these outfits have not proven as effective as anticipated, largely due to the lack of support from the Federal Government. Consequently, states persist in their demand for Amotekun, Ebube Agu, and similar initiatives to be authorized to carry assault rifles like AK-47s, enabling them to effectively confront armed assailants.