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By Lawrence Agbo
Security policy expert Charles Omole has cautioned that Nigeria’s proposed state police system requires careful technical planning rather than political enthusiasm if it is to succeed.
Speaking on the ongoing debate over the creation of state police, Omole said President Bola Tinubu appears committed to the reform but stressed that the complexities involved demand expert input and a clearly defined implementation strategy.
According to him, the President recognises the urgency of establishing state police and is pushing for the constitutional amendment to receive focused attention after previous reforms, including local government autonomy, encountered resistance from state governments.
“From my own observation, I think the President really wants state police,” Omole said.
He noted that while there is nothing wrong with the President’s determination to drive the reform, the process should not overlook the legal and operational complexities associated with decentralising policing.
Omole argued that many Nigerians mistakenly believe state police can simply be created by dividing the existing Nigeria Police Force into separate state commands.
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“It’s not that simple. There are lots of complexities and technicalities around it. If we don’t take those into account, we are going to be in trouble,” he warned.
The security expert explained that successful implementation would require a comprehensive framework covering recruitment, command structure, funding, accountability, operational jurisdiction and coordination between federal and state security agencies.
He also expressed concern over the absence of a visible technical team guiding the reform process, saying this has contributed to public uncertainty and criticism.
According to Omole, Nigerians deserve to know the experts responsible for designing the policy and addressing the concerns surrounding its implementation.
“What would have reassured many people is seeing a technical team made up of experts shaping the implementation. Right now, nobody knows who is driving it apart from the President himself. Who are the technical brains behind it? We don’t know,” he said.
Omole maintained that the concerns being raised by stakeholders should not be dismissed, describing them as legitimate issues that require clear answers before the proposed state police structure is adopted.
He urged the government to prioritise expert-driven planning, broad consultations and institutional safeguards to ensure the reform strengthens Nigeria’s security architecture rather than creating new governance and operational challenges.
