Northern leaders support establishment of State Police against insecurity

Northern leaders, including governors from the 19 northern states and prominent traditional rulers, reaffirmed their strong backing for the prompt establishment of state police on Monday. They argued that decentralizing Nigeria’s policing system is essential to tackle the region’s growing security concerns.

This stance was expressed in a communiqué following a significant meeting in Kaduna, where attendees highlighted that the centralized police system is insufficient for a population exceeding 200 million, particularly in vast areas vulnerable to criminal activities.

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They pointed out that many rural regions remain vulnerable due to a shortage of personnel and flaws in the current security framework.

Hosted by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and chaired by Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the meeting convened political and traditional leaders to discuss ongoing issues such as banditry, mass kidnappings, conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, and disruptions to economic activities.

In his opening remarks, Governor Sani noted that the North is facing an increasingly complex security situation that necessitates collective action and a policing system that reflects contemporary realities.

He dismissed claims that northern governors are slow to react to the crisis, asserting that they are actively working to enhance public safety.

“The narrative surrounding insecurity in the North has become unnecessarily convoluted. Some politically motivated individuals are suggesting that northern governors have been complacent — this couldn’t be further from the truth. We are acutely aware of our responsibilities and the urgency posed by each security threat,” Sani stated.

He contended that the establishment of state police is unavoidable, given the limited number of officers available and the increasing sophistication of armed groups.

“With fewer than 400,000 police officers for over 200 million people, many rural communities remain significantly unprotected,” he noted.

Sani also revealed that governors have developed an informal peer-review system to share intelligence and successful security strategies.

He argued that divisive political rhetoric portraying northern leaders as apathetic only undermines genuine efforts and damages public trust. He called for widespread support for reforms that enhance community-level policing, where insecurity is most pronounced.

Governor Yahaya echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the region’s security challenges cross religious and ethnic boundaries, affecting both Muslims and Christians.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as commendable actions to stabilize the country but stressed that state policing is crucial for maintaining progress.

He urged leaders to avoid divisive language, warning that such narratives only serve to benefit criminals seeking to instill distrust.

Yahaya pointed out that insecurity in the North is linked to deep-rooted issues like poverty, illiteracy, climate pressures, and long-standing underdevelopment. Tackling these challenges, he asserted, is essential for achieving lasting peace alongside improved policing structures.

While acknowledging the value of international assistance, he emphasized that such support must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and reflect its social and cultural contexts.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from governors and traditional rulers to enhance collaboration, increase community engagement, and advocate for reforms to bolster security throughout the region.

Leaders reiterated that the North urgently requires a more adaptable, locally focused policing model and urged the Federal Government to accelerate the creation of state police across the country.