Rescuing the Police from Itself

The current state of the Nigerian police force, which has faced numerous challenges over the years, resembles a uniformed body often linked with collusion in crime rather than its prevention. This deterioration is largely due to a lack of involvement from the communities they serve in terms of recruitment, training, and accountability.

In January 2020, six states in Nigeria's South-West launched Amotekun, a regional security initiative, to tackle various societal issues in the region. This was not a novel idea but rather a revival of a historical policing structure that had been dismantled in 1966 with the Unification Decree that centralized Nigeria's power.

During that coup, notable military figures sought refuge not in military barracks but at the Police Headquarters in Lagos, indicating the strength of the police back then.

This coup marked the beginning of a distorted federalism in Nigeria, where power shifted predominantly towards a central authority, leaving the states as mere subsidiaries within a larger framework. The police force transitioned from a decentralized structure to a monolithic body governed by national oversight.

In contrast to earlier times, Nigeria in 2026 faces a more complex landscape riddled with terror, banditry, and organized crime, necessitating a reevaluation of both the police's constitution and its operational framework.

Yet, despite the obvious need for change, the highest ranks of the police, along with other governing bodies, resist the idea of state police, viewing it as a threat rather than a solution to the underlying issues brought forth by Nigeria's dysfunctional federalism.

Despite the protests from the federal police regarding potential conflicts with state law enforcement, the governors of Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun have continued to support and develop Amotekun. Reports indicate that these states have provided resources and logistical support to enhance the effectiveness of this local policing effort.

Globally, policing structures in countries such as the U.S., Canada, and India are designed to balance federal and state responsibilities, allowing local jurisdictions to manage law enforcement effectively. This proves the potential benefits of decentralization in improving policing outcomes.

However, fears of potential state abuses and funding constraints have been cited by opponents of state police. While these concerns are legitimate, they should not obstruct the establishment of a localized police system, which could help refine governance and oversight in policing.

Despite the current limitations, Amotekun has laid a promising groundwork in addressing crime, particularly amid rising violence in neighboring states. Reports suggest that approximately 23 of Nigeria's 36 states have already set up some form of community or state-backed security arrangement, reflecting a shift towards local community involvement in the fight against crime.

It is crucial to recognize that the call for state police is not merely a desire for change but an essential step towards addressing the inadequacies of the Nigerian policing system as it stands. Prior attempts to limit police funding and authority should not be an excuse to delay the advent of a structured and regulated state police that can improve security at the local level.