IGP insists Nigeria not ‘Mature’ for State Police, sticks to Centralized System

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated his stance that Nigeria is not yet “mature” enough for the establishment of state police.

The IGP maintains that the current centralized police system is more appropriate for the country at this time.

Despite calls by state governors and other stakeholders for the implementation of state police, the IGP believes that it is necessary to maintain a unified approach to law enforcement in Nigeria.

He spoke on Monday during a national dialogue on state police held in Abuja with the theme ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’.

“On the issue of state police, it is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police,” the IGP, represented by AIG Ben Okolo, said at the event organised by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

The IGP argued among other factors, that “there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership.

“State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security.

“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction,” he said.

The IGP also proposed alternative measures to enhance the police force’s effectiveness in ensuring national security.

“First, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety to form a department under the Nigerian police,” he said.