Security Analyst Tony Nyiam has called for extensive reforms to effectively address the issues of corruption and inefficiencies within Nigeria's national security architecture. He noted that the current initiative by President Bola Tinubu to create state police is a progressive move, but it must not ignore the broader flaws in the system.
In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS, Nyiam reflected on his experiences domestically and internationally, sharing insights from the policing systems of countries like Scotland, India, Australia, and Canada. He emphasized that state police must enhance existing security frameworks rather than be hampered by systemic corruption.
"The current national security structure is fundamentally compromised, having historically catered to a hegemonic power rather than the citizens," Nyiam remarked.
He illustrated how, in regions such as Scotland, police services operate as civilian entities managed locally and independently. "For example, in my second home of Edinburgh, Scotland, the police are funded and managed by local governments rather than federal authorities—demonstrating that police functions are fundamentally civilian," he explained.
While he acknowledged the positive direction of the president's push for state police, Nyiam cautioned against viewing this step as a comprehensive solution. "Although I support the president’s initiative towards state police, it does not encompass all the gaps present in our national security framework. I commend the president for taking these initial steps," he added.
Nyiam stressed the necessity for specialized committees to oversee policing operations effectively. "There is a need for expert policing committees alongside the traditional police committees, which are essential for operational oversight under the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)," he stated.
On the subject of funding and sustainability, Nyiam raised a critical question: "If a state cannot finance its own police force, does that qualify it as a genuine state? That is a significant concern."
He voiced concerns regarding the introduction of state police into a system already plagued by corruption. "We must consider whether we can implement state police without addressing these deep-seated issues. If we do not tackle the connections between the corruption and governance, we may not achieve our desired outcomes," he warned.
Nyiam further highlighted that accountability models employed abroad should serve as a lesson for Nigeria. "In Edinburgh, for instance, the public can dismiss their police commissioner if performance falls short, yet in Nigeria, communities lack such authority, leading to a system that perpetuates corruption."
He also pinpointed challenges relating to overlapping jurisdictions. "One flaw is the reliance solely on the IGP to establish policing committees. We need additional frameworks that clarify the operational relationship between federal and state police," he noted.
Discussing the complexities within Nigeria’s law enforcement, he referenced the multitude of armed institutions operating in the country. "Currently, Nigeria has nearly 400,000 police officers, 63,000 from the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, plus various paramilitary organizations and state- sponsored forces. The increasing number of arms in circulation exacerbates the security challenges we face," he cautioned.
Nyiam argued that for state police to function effectively, the public must have a say in their operations and personnel appointments. "We need to trust Nigerians' ability to manage their own police forces. Currently, citizens have no influence over appointments to key positions, including that of the Inspector-General. This must change," he insisted.
He concluded that while establishing state police is essential, it is not a panacea. "If officers are dispatched far from their localities to engage in policing practices, it diminishes their connection to the community they serve. The root issue at hand is cultural—it requires a shift towards accountability to the citizens to avoid the pitfalls of the past," Nyiam emphasized.
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