A renewed call by Northern governors for the establishment of state police has sparked debate among security experts, with many warning that the move could lead to political abuse rather than solve the region’s security challenges.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), after a meeting in Kaduna over the weekend, insisted that state policing is essential to address persistent violence in states like Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Borno, and Katsina. The forum, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislation for state police while commending President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity.
However, security analysts have raised concerns over the proposal. Kaduna-based expert Muhammad Ali cautioned that state police could become a tool for governors to suppress political opposition. “Some governors already receive over N1 billion in security votes—what have they achieved? Instead of creating new structures, we should reform and expand the existing police force,” he argued.
Retired Major Yahaya Ibrahim Shinko echoed these concerns, questioning states’ financial capacity to sustain police operations. “If governors struggle to conduct local elections, how will they fund year-round policing?” he asked, pointing to potential clashes between federal and state security agencies.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, who attended the meeting, described Northern insecurity as a national crisis requiring urgent action. “One life lost is one too many,” he said, urging unity among leaders. While acknowledging security improvements, he stressed that more must be done to protect citizens.
The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the risks of decentralizing policing against the urgent need to curb violence in the region.
