Centre for Crisis Communication Urges Expedited Creation of State Police in Nigeria
The Centre for Crisis Communication has called on Nigerian state legislatures and stakeholders to accelerate the establishment of state police forces, citing worsening insecurity and the need for localized security responses.
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The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has urged State Houses of Assembly and other stakeholders to fast-track the creation of state police, emphasizing that Nigeria's deteriorating security situation demands urgent reform. Speaking through its chairman, Maj.-Gen. Chris, the CCC called for the establishment of state-level police forces equipped with adequate resources, professionalism, and oversight safeguards to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
The appeal aligns with ongoing national debate over security sector reform, particularly the decentralisation of policing responsibilities. As highlighted in a recent analysis by Premium Times, proponents argue that state police would bring law enforcement closer to local communities, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve responses to crime. This model, they say, could address the limitations of the current centralized Nigeria Police Force, which has faced criticism for inefficiency and slow response times, especially in rural areas.
However, concerns remain about the potential shift in power dynamics between federal and state governments. The Premium Times analysis notes that the creation of state police could alter the balance of authority within Nigeria’s federal structure, raising questions about coordination, command structures, and potential for politicization. The CCC’s call includes a recommendation for robust legal and institutional safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure that state police operate within constitutional and human rights frameworks.
The dual emphasis on operational efficiency and accountability reflects growing pressure on Nigerian authorities to address insecurity, including rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and communal violence. With both the Vanguard News and Premium Times reporting on the issue, the debate over state police continues to gain momentum in policy and public discourse.