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By Lawrence Agbo
Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, has cautioned that Nigeria’s proposed state police system could become ineffective if recruitment is driven by political interests instead of merit.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, the former senior police officer said the idea of state police should not be rejected, but warned that its success would depend on creating a professional, impartial and accountable force.
He expressed concern that state governments might recruit political loyalists, vigilante members or thugs into the new security outfit, a development he said would erode public trust and undermine the purpose of decentralised policing.
“We are praying that they will not use members of vigilante groups, political thugs or supporters of political parties to form this new police force,” Inalegwu said.
According to him, expanding policing at the state level would improve manpower, but only if officers are selected through a transparent process insulated from political influence.
The retired AIG argued that allowing politicians to determine recruitment would transform state police into a partisan institution instead of a professional law enforcement agency.
Drawing lessons from Nigeria’s history, Inalegwu recalled that similar fears surrounded the Native Authority Police before independence, when political interference in recruitment generated widespread concern.
He said those historical experiences should guide current efforts to establish state police, stressing the need for strong legal safeguards, independent oversight and strict professional standards.
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Inalegwu also rejected claims that the Nigeria Police Force lacks the capacity to police the country, insisting that inadequate funding, poor logistics and manpower shortages—not incompetence—remain its biggest obstacles.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a competent organisation. The problem is that it has been grossly underfunded and lacks the logistics required to function effectively,” he said.
He maintained that significant improvements in funding, personnel welfare, equipment and operational support would greatly enhance the force’s performance and public confidence.
The former police chief further warned that weak institutions could expose state police to abuse by desperate politicians seeking to intimidate opponents or settle political scores.
“Our institutions are not yet strong enough to withstand the pressure of desperate politicians,” he said.
Describing policing as the foundation of internal security, Inalegwu argued that Nigeria’s economic growth and national stability depend on building an efficient, well-equipped and politically neutral police system.
His remarks come as debate continues over the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (State Police) Bill, 2026, recently passed by the Senate.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has defended the proposal, describing state police as a practical response to Nigeria’s security challenges rather than a politically motivated initiative, while insisting the reform enjoys broad public support.
