Call for State Security Forces Gains Momentum Amid Ineffectiveness of Federal Law Enforcement — Former Police Chief Okiro

Mike Okiro, the former Inspector-General of Police, has stated that the increasing demand for state police is a direct result of the perceived inability of Nigeria's federal policing system to address the country's escalating security challenges.

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Okiro made this assertion while appearing on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, where he also argued that the current policing structure in Nigeria is disorganized and poorly equipped.

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According to Okiro, the Nigerian police force is plagued by a multitude of issues, including being "badly disorganised, disenchanted, demoralised, understaffed, ill-equipped and ill-trained", which has led to discussions about the need for state police.

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Okiro emphasized that if the federal police had been adequately equipped, there would be no need for discussions about state police, as people are only considering this option due to the perceived failure of the federal police.

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The former police chief identified inadequate funding as the primary challenge facing the force, resulting in shortages of manpower, poor infrastructure, and the closure of numerous police stations across the country.

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Okiro noted that funding issues have forced many police stations to close due to a lack of manpower, highlighting the severity of the problem.

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Despite acknowledging the shortcomings of the current policing system, Okiro expressed concerns about establishing state police without sufficient constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse.

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Okiro warned that state governors could exploit their control over state police forces for political purposes if effective checks and balances are not put in place.

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His primary concern is the potential for abuse, as governors currently have limited influence over the police, but this could change if state police are established without proper guidelines.

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Okiro cautioned that without proper checks and balances, the establishment of state police could lead to a situation similar to the "operation wetie" of the 1960s, which prompted the adoption of a unified police force under Gowon.

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Okiro emphasized the need for a well-written constitution with proper guidelines to protect the police from the potential high-handedness of governors.