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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Human rights lawyer, Ikenna Ahumibe, has argued that the establishment of state police would not end Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that the country’s worsening insecurity is rooted in weak intelligence gathering, corruption, institutional deficiencies, inadequate manpower and poor welfare of security personnel.
Ahumibe stated this in a statement yesterday, where he also commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunde Disu, for what he described as decisive disciplinary reforms that are restoring public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that prompt disciplinary action against errant police officers and the increasingly swift attention given to petitions submitted to the IGP’s office had strengthened public trust in the force.
“For too long, complaints against police misconduct were allowed to gather dust. Today, there is visible evidence that officers who abuse their office are being investigated and sanctioned within a reasonable time,” he said.
Despite the ongoing debate on state policing, he maintained that creating state police would merely shift responsibility for insecurity from the Federal Government to state governments without addressing the underlying causes of the problem.
He warned that state police could also become instruments of political intimidation, persecution of opposition figures, suppression of dissent and interference with democratic processes if placed under the control of state governors.
He said: “Allowing governors to control the recruitment, promotion and discipline of police officers could make them accountable to political office holders rather than the Constitution and the rule of law.”
He further cautioned that establishing state police without strengthening democratic institutions, judicial independence and effective oversight mechanisms could decentralise the abuse of policing powers instead of improving security.
The lawyer also warned that a politicised state police system could deepen ethnic and regional divisions, thereby undermining national cohesion.
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While applauding IGP’s reform efforts, he urged him to ensure that the professionalism displayed by officers serving in the Federal Capital Territory becomes the operational standard across all police commands nationwide.
He said Abuja should serve as the benchmark for policing in terms of discipline, appearance, courtesy, responsiveness and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the poor dressing and unprofessional appearance of some police officers, noting that untidy or improperly worn uniforms sometimes make it difficult for members of the public to distinguish them from criminals.
He called on the police authorities to enforce stricter uniform standards, conduct regular inspections and intensify professional retraining to preserve the dignity and identity of the force.
The legal practitioner also stressed the need to improve the welfare of police personnel, arguing that no police organisation could effectively combat crime if its officers were poorly motivated.
He urged the government to provide better salaries, decent housing, comprehensive life insurance, quality healthcare, modern operational equipment and improved working conditions for officers.
“The Nigeria Police Force should also modernise its uniforms and operational kits to reflect global best practices. A respected police force begins with officers who are well-equipped, well-presented and well-motivated,” he said.
He urged the IGP to sustain and deepen the ongoing reforms, insisting that a disciplined, accountable, professionally trained and adequately motivated police force would deliver more sustainable results in tackling insecurity than the establishment of state police alone.
He added that police officers would serve with greater courage and dedication if they are confident that robust insurance policies would guarantee the financial security of their families in the event of death in the line of duty.
