State Police Debate Gains Momentum as Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa Youths Declare Support
Story: written by Daniel December 15,2025
The long-standing call for the creation of state police in Nigeria gained renewed momentum over the weekend, following endorsements from major socio-cultural groups including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum.
For decades, Nigerians have been divided over the establishment of state-controlled police forces, with supporters citing worsening insecurity and critics warning against possible political abuse by state governors.
The conversation intensified after President Bola Tinubu met with state governors in Abuja on February 15, 2024, where the prospects of introducing state police were extensively examined. While the discussions raised hopes among citizens seeking improved security, concerns persisted over whether Nigeria is institutionally prepared for decentralised policing.
Opponents argue that governors could misuse state police for political intimidation, while proponents insist that the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and inadequately equipped to police a population of over 230 million people across diverse and difficult terrains.
Currently, the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill is before the National Assembly and is among 44 harmonised constitutional amendment bills awaiting consideration and voting by both chambers, before transmission to state Houses of Assembly.
In separate reactions, Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youth leaders expressed support for state police, while calling for strong safeguards to prevent abuse.
Afenifere: Nigeria Ready for State Police
Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, declared that Nigeria is mature enough to operate state police. According to its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, fears of potential abuse by governors should not outweigh the urgent need to strengthen internal security.
Ajayi argued that governors cannot effectively function as chief security officers of their states without having adequate security structures under their control. He, however, recommended that strict legal provisions be embedded in the law to prevent politicisation and misuse.
Afenifere also urged the Federal Government to go beyond arresting foot soldiers of terrorism and instead identify, expose and prosecute those financing and sponsoring banditry and terrorism. The group warned that insecurity would persist unless powerful backers of violent crimes are held accountable.
Ohanaeze Raises Political Concerns
Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledged that state police may be inevitable due to escalating insecurity but raised strong concerns about possible political misuse. Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Deputy President General, warned that without comprehensive police reforms, some governors—particularly in the North—could weaponise state police for electoral manipulation.
He cautioned that failure to establish clear constitutional and operational safeguards could allow governors to exploit state police structures during future elections, including the 2027 general polls. Isiguzoro stressed the need for strict oversight by the National Assembly to prevent abuse and protect democratic processes.
He also lamented Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, noting that it has severely damaged the country’s international image and internal cohesion.
Arewa Youths Endorse State Police with Conditions
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) also backed the establishment of state police, describing it as a practical response to Nigeria’s complex and region-specific security challenges. Its president, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, said insurgency, banditry and communal violence require local solutions that a centralised police force struggles to deliver.
He noted that state police officers, being members of their communities, would better understand local dynamics, improve intelligence gathering and build trust between law enforcement and citizens.
Shettima cited countries such as the United States, Canada and Germany as examples where decentralised policing has enhanced security and community engagement. However, he acknowledged fears of abuse by governors and called for a strong accountability and oversight framework.
According to him, recruitment, training and operations of state police must be guided by strict regulations, while an independent oversight body should be created to monitor their activities. He added that the federal government must define clear limits to state police powers to safeguard citizens’ rights and democratic principle
