State Police Framework: Stakeholders Drive Development

Western Nigeria Charts Course for State Policing Framework

IBADAN, NIGERIA – In a proactive move to address escalating security concerns, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, in collaboration with security experts and other key stakeholders, has convened to chart a foundational operational framework for state policing in the region. This initiative is a direct response to the growing momentum for state-level policing initiatives at the federal level, aimed at bolstering efforts to combat prevalent issues such as kidnapping, banditry, and other serious criminal activities impacting the South West.

The crucial technical session, aptly titled “Foundational Imperatives for State Police in South West Nigeria,” took place at the Dipo Famakinwa Conference Room within the DAWN Commission headquarters, located in the iconic Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan.

Addressing Security Challenges with a Proactive Approach

Dr. Seye Oyeleye, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, articulated the rationale behind the gathering. He explained that the meeting was convened in anticipation of the federal government’s strong push for the establishment of state police forces. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prominently featured state policing as a cornerstone of his administration’s security agenda since assuming office in 2023, with renewed emphasis in late 2023 and early 2024.

Recognizing the imminent legislative action, with a bill already before the National Assembly, stakeholders from the South West region determined it was imperative to prepare an operational framework in advance. This strategic foresight aims to prevent the region from being caught unprepared and to ensure a cohesive and effective implementation of state policing.

“We understand that the creation of state police is a priority for the current federal administration,” Dr. Oyeleye stated. “As a bill is already progressing through the National Assembly, we in the South West have decided not to wait until state police becomes a reality before developing a template. Our goal is to establish a common ground for how state police can operate efficiently across the six South West states.”

Tailoring Policing to Regional Realities

A key focus of the discussions was the recognition that while a national framework for state policing might be established, it is crucial to incorporate the unique peculiarities of the South West region. Dr. Oyeleye emphasized that a “one-size-fits-all” approach would be a critical mistake.

“There will be a common template, but we have individual peculiarities,” he explained. “This is the essence of a federation. We must avoid the past mistake of a monolithic approach.”

The DAWN DG also offered a perspective on the current challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force, attributing them largely to a significant deficit in manpower relative to the nation’s population. “With a population exceeding 200 million and approximately 450,000 active police officers, the effectiveness of such a force is inherently limited. Our objective is to develop a guiding template that empowers the six states to establish and manage their own police forces effectively.”

Timelines and Confidence in Implementation

The deliberations are expected to yield a comprehensive document that will be presented to the governors of the South West states, serving as a foundational guide for policy direction. Dr. Oyeleye expressed optimism that state policing could become operational in the region by the first quarter of 2027.

“We are confident that by the first quarter of 2027, state police will be a tangible reality. This is why we are undertaking this preparatory work now,” he asserted.

Addressing Concerns and Complementary Security Architectures

Concerns regarding the potential for state governors to abuse the powers of state police were also addressed. Dr. Oyeleye dismissed these fears as outdated, citing the successful operation of the regional security outfit, Amotekun.

“The apprehension about potential abuse is no longer tenable,” he stated. “Amotekun has been operational in the South West since 2020, and there have been no reported instances of gubernatorial abuse. In today’s social media age, any transgression would be immediately known.”

Furthermore, Dr. Oyeleye clarified that the existence of Amotekun and the proposed state police forces are not mutually exclusive. Both can coexist and complement each other within the region’s broader security architecture. “Amotekun and state police can exist side-by-side. Governors may even decide to leverage Amotekun for specific roles, such as forest rangers.”

A Research-Driven and People-Centred Approach

Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, from the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan, underscored the shift in focus from debating the necessity of state policing to its effective implementation.

“Our president has, in my view, effectively decreed state policing into existence. The discussion now is not about whether state police will be adopted, but how,” Professor Albert remarked.

He cautioned against replicating the existing shortcomings of the federal policing system, advocating for a rigorous, research-driven, and analytical approach to designing state police structures. “We cannot plunge into state policing without critically examining the flaws in the federal police system. Without a robust intellectual approach, we risk creating state police that mirror the very issues we are criticizing today.”

Professor Albert also stressed the importance of integrating lessons learned from existing formal and informal security structures, including community-based initiatives. “Many communities have already established their own policing mechanisms. Amotekun is a prime example. We must draw upon these existing systems to build a police structure that genuinely earns the trust of the people.”

Mr. Adewale Adeoye, Executive Director of Journalists for Democratic Rights, emphasized that state policing must be intrinsically people-centered and responsive to local realities. “State policing is not solely a governmental affair; it is fundamentally about the people. Security must be owned by the populace, and they must be involved in its conception, development, and implementation.”

Adeoye further highlighted the need for the South West to develop a distinct policing model that directly addresses its unique security challenges. “The nature of crime in the South West differs from that in the North East. State policing in our region must reflect our specific conditions. We aspire to a structure that upholds public integrity, transparency, and meets global standards.”

He concluded by stressing the paramount importance of humane policing. “Policing is, at its core, about human beings. Officers must exhibit compassion, care for the people they serve, and diligently protect both lives and vital assets.”

The comprehensive deliberations involved a diverse group of participants, including security experts, retired senior police officers, academics, legal practitioners, and private sector representatives. Some participants joined the sessions virtually, underscoring the broad engagement on this critical issue. The ultimate aim of these discussions is to produce a detailed regional template that will guide the effective implementation of state policing across the South West once the enabling legislation is enacted.