Security policy expert Charles Omole says the proposed creation of state police in Nigeria requires careful planning, strong institutional design and technical expertise to ensure its success.
According to The Sun, Omole made the remarks amid ongoing constitutional debates on state-controlled policing. He said growing political support for the reform should be matched with practical implementation frameworks rather than emotional or political considerations.
“From my own observation, I think the President really wants state police,” Omole said, referring to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s security architecture.
He, however, cautioned that the proposal is complex and would require input from security professionals, governance experts and institutional planners to establish clear operational structures.
Omole also urged policymakers to learn from previous decentralisation efforts, including local government autonomy reforms, which faced challenges related to coordination and implementation. He said the effectiveness of state police would depend on clearly defined responsibilities, funding arrangements, oversight mechanisms and command structures.
“The idea is not just about creating another layer of police. It is about ensuring that the structure works without creating new problems,” he said, warning that poor implementation could undermine national security objectives.
