State police: We need effective security architecture to protect our communities – Bago

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has said that there is a need for an effective security architecture to protect communities across the country, owing to the spate of insecurity.

Bago stated this at the second edition of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Niger State governor, who was represented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (North Central), Muazu Rijau, expressed support for the establishment of state police, stating that his state would like to see it become a reality.

He noted that there is a need to bring policing closer to the people, stating that the people want a system that will guarantee their safety and secure their communities.

According to him: “When we look at the rate of crime and insecurity in Nigeria, it becomes clear that there is a need for a more effective security architecture that can respond to the peculiar challenges of our communities.

“We in Niger State and across Africa would love to see state police become a reality in Nigeria. Based on the problems we face, everything happens in our communities and cities. This is why we believe there is a need to bring policing closer to the people.

“Niger State has taken a position in support of the establishment of state police, and I am sure other states are also making positive moves towards supporting the initiative.

“We recognise that the issue of security affects everyone, regardless of political party or background. The people want a system that will guarantee their safety, protect their communities and enable them to go about their daily activities without fear.”

Bago commended the HoRPC for the lecture with the theme “The imperative of state police: Securing communities, strengthening federalism,” stating that it has provided a platform for stakeholders to “interrogate the future of policing and security in Nigeria.”

“We must continue to explore practical solutions to the insecurity confronting our people. State police is one of the proposals that deserves serious consideration as part of the broader reform of Nigeria’s security architecture,” he stated.