Security Experts Seek Evidence-based Debate On State Police

To address insecurity in Nigeria, a group, the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has convened a workshop and policy dialogue on the policy paper, “State Police in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges.”

The workshop brought together senior security actors, policymakers, development partners and experts to advance informed dialogue on the ongoing national debate on state policing.

The event held last weekend provided a platform for discussions on the opportunities, risks and institutional requirements associated with state policing within the context of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Participants at the workshop included deputy inspector-general of police, Mohammed Usman Gumel, who represented the inspector-general of police; conflict adviser at the British High Commission, Pirmah Rimdans; director of Research and Planning at the National Institute of Police Studies, Nigerian Police Force, ACP Ogbonnaya Nwota; head of Department for Local Training at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),  Onyeogu Benedicta; and the director-general of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), Chris Ngwodo, among other stakeholders.

Presenting the policy paper, the author, Professor Etannibi Alemika, outlined its key findings, highlighting the potential benefits of state policing while drawing attention to concerns around constitutional safeguards, accountability, funding, inter-agency coordination and the risk of political interference.

At the event, the team leader of SPRiNG, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, emphasised the need to ground security reforms in evidence and inclusive dialogue.

“The conversation on state policing must go beyond political rhetoric. It requires careful consideration of accountability, human rights protections and institutional capacity,” Ukiwo said.

He added that through the policy paper, SPRiNG is supporting an informed, evidence-driven national dialogue that prioritises citizen safety, trust and sustainable peace.

In their remarks, speakers at the event noted that while decentralised policing may offer opportunities for improved local responsiveness and community trust, its success depends on strong legal frameworks, institutional oversight and effective coordination across federal and state governments and security actors.

The event concluded with an interactive plenary discussion, during which participants engaged with the paper’s recommendations, raised questions, and shared insights on state capacity, community relations, and comparative policing systems.