A security expert, Yahuza Getso, has opposed the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, urging the federal government to reform the Nigeria Police Force before considering decentralisation of policing.
Mr Getso, who made the disclosure on Tuesday, said inadequate funding, corruption and politically influenced recruitment were among the challenges undermining effective policing in the country.
He expressed concern that state police could worsen insecurity if introduced without addressing the weaknesses of the existing police structure.
“What we need is first to fix the federal police, to identify the gaps through a needs assessment and to provide what is required to sustain the system.
“What really led to the failure of the federal police? What efforts have we made in order to fix those issues?” he asked.
The expert also questioned the capacity of state governments to finance and manage state police, warning that inadequate funding and political interference could undermine the proposed arrangement.
He alleged that political influence in recruitment had weakened professionalism across security agencies.
He alleged that government officials and favouritism often influenced recruitment into security agencies, resulting in the employment of people who might not be qualified for the job.
According to him, recruitment should be based on competence and professional standards rather than personal connections.
Mr Getso recommended a comprehensive review of the Nigeria Police Force, including its funding, personnel, equipment, training and operational capacity.
He also called for a clear implementation plan to address identified gaps and ensure accountability within the force.
The expert said inadequate personnel and shortages of operational vehicles, equipment and basic investigative materials continued to constrain police effectiveness.
He urged the government to examine police budgets over the past 11 years, particularly the amounts budgeted, released and utilised.
Mr Getso also dismissed the argument that state police would automatically address youth unemployment, insisting that employment opportunities should not be used to justify a policy without adequate safeguards.
Mr Getso argued that establishing state police without addressing governance and accountability challenges could expose the new structures to political manipulation.
He urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies to identify criminal networks and improve responses to kidnapping.
The expert also called for reforms in the justice system, saying accountability and public confidence in the judiciary were important in tackling insecurity.
He maintained that strengthening existing institutions, improving police recruitment and providing adequate resources should precede any expansion of the country’s policing structure.
Mr Getso said the primary responsibility of the government was to protect lives and property, urging political leaders to demonstrate greater commitment to addressing insecurity.
About 24 states have so far endorsed state police in the ongoing deliberations by states on the state police bill passed by the National Assembly.
According to the states, all concerns about state police have been addressed by the bill.
(NAN)
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