Governors across Nigeria are holding back on implementing state police structures, pending the release of a clear blueprint from the federal government detailing the operational framework.
At the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in December 2024, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, all 36 state governors submitted their positions on the proposal for state policing. A majority supported the idea. The federal government and the governors agreed to finalize discussions at a follow-up meeting scheduled for January 31, 2025. However, that meeting was postponed as governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were unavailable due to an emergency session in Delta State.
Several governors told LEADERSHIP Sunday that progress is stalled because the federal government has yet to issue the operational modalities. They emphasized the need for both federal and state legislation to legally establish state police forces.
In the interim, many states are strengthening local security outfits to fill the gap amid rising insecurity. These outfits include:
Gombe: Operation Hattara (GOSTEC)
Kaduna: Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS)
Katsina: Community Watch Corps (CWC)
Enugu: Neighbourhood Watch Group
Akwa Ibom: Ibom Community Watch (ICW)
Borno: Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)
Kogi: Metropolitan Quick Response team
Abia: Operation Crush
Kebbi: Vigilantes Group of Nigeria (VGN)
Cross River: Operation Okwork
Plateau: Operation Rainbow
Ebonyi: Neighbourhood Watch
Southwest States (Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun): Amotekun Corps
State Perspectives:
Nasarawa: Governor Abdullahi Sule, through his aide Peter Ahemba, reaffirmed support for state police, citing better local intelligence and rapid response capabilities. He stressed the need for enabling laws from both national and state legislatures.
Osun: Governor Ademola Adeleke is also in favor, awaiting federal guidelines. His spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the state prioritizes residents’ security. The Amotekun Corps in Osun recently recruited and trained 1,150 personnel to enhance operations, according to Corps Commandant Dr. Adekunle Omoyele.
Zamfara: The state has opted to continue with its Community Protection Guards (CPG) while awaiting federal directives. Nuhu Salihu Anka, media director-general, said the government is ready but needs the national framework.
Ondo: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reiterated Ondo’s leadership in pushing for state police, noting that the Amotekun model is ready to evolve once federal approval comes. His chief press secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed ongoing efforts to bolster Amotekun’s capacity.
Amotekun Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye reported that the corps recently arrested 32 kidnapping suspects and intervened in 15 attempted abductions. He urged residents to report suspicious activity promptly.
Anambra: Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor said the state backs state police but continues to rely on homegrown outfits—Operation Udo Ga Achi and Agunechemba. He credited these initiatives, backed by the 2024 Homeland Security Law, with reducing insecurity and cracking down on fraudulent spiritualists.
Kaduna: An official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Governor Uba Sani remains a vocal supporter of state police, viewing it as a solution to manpower shortages in tackling insecurity. Last year, the governor publicly endorsed the proposal. Meanwhile, KADVS commander Brig. Gen. Umar Muhammad Ibrahim (rtd) declined to comment on operational matters.
