The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has warned against the Federal Government’s proposed creation of state police, branding it a “misplaced priority” that would do little to reform the nation’s beleaguered security architecture.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar, said the plan threatens to compound existing problems such as underfunding, manpower shortages, cramped welfare packages, poor equipment, and alleged corruption in security agencies.
“It is a misplaced priority. Creating state police is simply a waste of time. What we need is a commitment to fix and strengthen the current system,” Abubakar said.
He maintained that existing institutions, especially the Nigeria Police Force, struggle with systemic constraints, including inadequate budgets and staff, outdated logistics, and operational inefficiencies.
Abubakar noted that if the government was serious about tackling insecurity, “There must be a robust recruitment drive and proper welfare provisions within the NPF rather than broadening the scope with new agencies.”
Highlighting the political risks of a state-controlled police force, Abubakar warned that such an entity could become a tool for intimidation and suppression.
“Nigerian politicians are not yet mature enough to handle a security structure without federal oversight.
“We are convinced they will abuse the authority entrusted to state police and violate citizens’ fundamental rights,” he said.
Several states have recently mooted the establishment of regional security outfits, and proponents argue they’re needed to address unique local threats.
However, the NYCN leader argued that such motives alone were not enough to justify what could become a politically weaponised tool.
Against this backdrop, Abubakar proposed the immediate inauguration of a committee to overhaul and expand the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, the nation with a population exceeding 200 million currently operates with fewer than 300,000 officers, which is inadequate.
“We are proposing a law enforcement body of at least five million officers. That number better aligns with contemporary demands and demographic realities.
“History will vindicate us. In moments of crucial national decisions like this, we must add our voice and say no to state police.
“The alternative is to build a stronger, better-resourced, and more accountable federal police force—not a politically segmented one,” he stated.
PUNCH Online reports that in a statement on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu, while lamenting the recent spate of bandit attacks in the North, disclosed that plans were underway to establish state police.
“I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us”, the President revealed.
However, there have been ongoing debates around the proposed creation of state police, which have elicited mixed reactions.
Opponents argue that existing issues within the Nigerian Police Force—such as underfunding, lack of personnel, and poor welfare—should be addressed before considering creating additional policing agencies.
(Punch)
