At the National Dialogue on State Policing held on Monday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the necessity of state policing to cater to the diverse security needs of communities across Nigeria.
The event, themed “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the restructuring of law enforcement in the country.
In his address, President Tinubu argued that state policing represents a crucial evolution in Nigeria’s law enforcement strategy, tailored to more effectively address specific local demands.
He portrayed it as not just a policy shift but as a potential milestone that would align law enforcement more closely with the needs of various communities, enhancing security nationwide.
Moreover, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force and strengthening security measures across the nation.
He acknowledged the complex security challenges facing Nigeria and highlighted ongoing efforts to refine strategies to address these issues effectively.
However, the proposal for state policing met with some resistance during the dialogue.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed concerns about the maturity of Nigeria’s political landscape for such a shift.
He argued that state-controlled police might worsen ethnic tensions, highlighting the delicate balance the country faces in its pursuit of enhanced community-focused policing.
