Security discussions in Nigeria have once again taken center stage as former leader Shehu Shagari has called on the National Assembly to urgently approve the creation of state police. His warning comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity across several parts of the country, including kidnapping, banditry, and rural attacks that continue to affect communities.
According to reports monitored by Valid9ja, Shagari cautioned lawmakers that delaying the establishment of state-controlled policing structures could worsen the country’s security situation. He argued that Nigeria’s current centralised policing system is no longer enough to handle the growing and diverse security challenges facing different regions. His comments have reopened national debate on whether policing should be decentralised to improve efficiency.
Valid9ja gathered that the former leader stressed that insecurity has become too widespread for a single central police force to manage effectively. He explained that local communities often understand their environments better and could respond faster to threats if empowered with their own security structures. This, he said, would allow quicker intervention during emergencies and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.
Information obtained by Valid9ja shows that Shagari’s statement has sparked fresh reactions among policymakers, security experts, and civil society groups. Some supporters of the idea believe that state police would help reduce response time to attacks and improve coordination in rural areas where federal security presence is limited. Others, however, have expressed concern that such a system could be misused by state governments if proper safeguards are not put in place.
The debate over state police is not new in Nigeria, but it has gained more attention in recent years due to repeated security incidents across the country. Many Nigerians continue to call for reforms that will make policing more effective and community-focused. The warning from Shagari has therefore added more pressure on lawmakers to revisit the issue and consider possible constitutional amendments that could allow for a decentralised policing structure.
The importance of this discussion lies in its direct impact on the safety of citizens. As insecurity continues to affect farming, education, and daily life in many regions, the need for stronger and more responsive security systems has become urgent. Whether or not the National Assembly moves forward with the proposal, the conversation highlights a growing demand for change in how Nigeria manages internal security.
Shagari’s warning reflects a long-standing concern shared by many Nigerians about the effectiveness of the current security system. While state police could improve local response, it must also come with strong checks to prevent abuse of power. Ultimately, the goal should be a balanced system that protects citizens, strengthens trust, and ensures that no part of the country feels left behind in matters of safety.