A former Joint Task Force (JTF) commander, Dr. Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa, has said that the proposed creation of state police in Nigeria is not a guaranteed solution to the country’s security challenges, warning that it could introduce new complications if not carefully managed.
Speaking in an interview, the retired officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service noted that the state police proposal has been under consideration since the 1990s but has consistently faced delays due to structural and constitutional concerns.
According to him, the implem
entation of state police raises key questions about the future of the Federal Police system and possible clashes of responsibility.
“What would happen to the Federal Police? Would every officer be returned to their states, or would they work together? There would be a clash of interests,” he said.
Wudilawa, however, acknowledged that a properly structured state policing system could improve intelligence gathering and local crime response.
“It would facilitate intelligence gathering because they are in the state. If something happens, it would be known easily, unlike the Federal Police, which has too much bureaucracy,” he added.
He warned, however, that poor funding, political interference, and weak oversight could undermine the system, stressing that states might struggle to pay salaries or maintain discipline among officers.
He also raised concerns about corruption and abuse of power if recruitment and operations are politicised, noting that individuals with political connections could exploit the system to encourage impunity and crime.
The retired officer called for the in
clusion of traditional and religious leaders in the structure of state policing, saying ward heads, imams, pastors, and community elders should be involved in recruitment and oversight to improve accountability.
Also speaking, retired military officer and security analyst, Rtd. Capt. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, said the debate should not focus on whether Nigeria needs state police, but whether the country has the right safeguards to prevent abuse.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s centralised policing system has struggled with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and communal conflicts, adding that decentralisation could improve intelligence gathering and rapid response.
However, he warned that without strong institutions, state police could be misused by political leaders to suppress opposition or interfere with democratic processes.
“State police is neither a magic solution nor an automatic threat. Its success will depend entirely on how it is implemented,” he said.
Adamu recommended strict recruitment standards, independent oversight, professional training, human rights compliance, sustainable funding, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effectiveness.
He concluded that Nigeria’s
priority should be building a professional and people-centred policing system that strengthens internal security without undermining democracy.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.