Isaiah Davies Ijele, convener of the Police Integrity Movement, has called for a restructuring of Nigeria’s budget priorities, arguing that more funding should be directed to the police as the country considers implementing state police.
According to a video published on the official YouTube channel of Arise News on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Ijele said, “It is time we defund the National Assembly to fund the police.”
He argued that inadequate funding has weakened Nigeria’s security architecture, leaving many police divisions unable to maintain patrol vehicles, purchase fuel or acquire modern technology needed for effective policing.
Ijele also warned that, without strong financial and administrative safeguards, state governors could misuse state police for political purposes. He said the Federal Government should retain responsibility for recruitment standards and training to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse.
The security advocate urged lawmakers to prioritise police funding, stressing that improved remuneration, equipment and infrastructure are essential to strengthening law enforcement and addressing insecurity across the country.
