During a national dialogue on state police organized by the House of Representatives in Abuja, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General Ben Okolo, stated that Nigeria is not yet ready for state-controlled police, countering recent calls for decentralization.
Egbetokun emphasized that despite the increased incidents of kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks prompting discussions on state police, the country still faces significant challenges that impede effective policing. These challenges include inadequate manpower, operational equipment, and training for personnel.
The IGP cautioned against the potential abuse of power by state governors if state police were to be established, highlighting concerns about political interference and compromise of human rights and security.
Instead of creating state police, Egbetokun proposed addressing the existing challenges within the police force and recommended merging the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) into a department under the Nigerian police.
Additionally, he advocated for an increase in the recruitment of police personnel by at least 30,000 annually to meet the minimum policing standards set by the United Nations.
Egbetokun’s stance contrasts with Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam’s support for the establishment of state police, who believes that a more decentralized police force could better address the country’s rising insecurity.
