The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has expressed concerns over the creation of state police, stating that Nigeria currently lacks the institutional capacity to support such a system. Wike’s comments come amid ongoing calls from governors for the establishment of state police as a means to improve security within their jurisdictions.
The debate over state policing has been a hot topic in recent years, with many state leaders, including Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna, advocating for its implementation. Last year, Sani revealed that all 36 state governments had submitted reports in favor of state police, viewing it as a critical measure for enhancing national security.
However, speaking during a media chat on Sunday, Wike voiced his reservations, warning that the introduction of state or community policing could lead to autocratic rule in many states. He questioned Nigeria’s readiness to manage such a significant shift in the security landscape.
“In Nigeria, what system do we run? Is Abuja different from Nigeria when you talk about the police?” Wike asked. “People have been recommending community policing and state police, but we need to consider where we are as a country. If we implement it now, many people will fear for their lives and won’t even dare step outside their homes.”
Wike further cautioned that state policing could lead to the misuse of power, with governors potentially using the force to stifle opposition and dissent. “If we allow state policing today, nobody would oppose any state governor. It could mean either you die for murder or for armed robbery. Our institutions are not independent enough to prevent such manipulation,” he said.
Despite having previously supported the idea of state police during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, Wike admitted that he no longer believes it is the right solution. “The mere fact that I supported state police when I was governor, if I was wrong, I was wrong. If I was right, I was right,” he stated. “Our institutions are not strong enough to be independent of manipulation.”
As governor of Rivers, Wike had also endorsed the establishment of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, which was tasked with crime detection, arresting offenders, and even carrying arms while performing their duties. However, his recent statements indicate a shift in his stance on the broader issue of state-level policing.
