State Police Could Fuel Terror, Heighten Political Violence – Lawyer

A legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo, has warned the federal government against the push for state police without establishing strong constitutional safeguards, stating that the move could exacerbate insecurity and empower political actors who already misuse authority.

In a statement issued yesterday through his official social media handle, cited by LEADERSHIP, Omirhobo described the current agitation for state police as a dangerous firebrigade approach capable of turning Nigeria’s fragile security environment into an arena of political warfare.

He argued that introducing state police in the present governance climate risks transforming policing into a tool of oppression rather than protection.

According to the lawyer, several state governors have not demonstrated accountability in the management of public resources or a commitment to citizen welfare, noting that many divert local government funds, tolerate political thuggery during elections, and show little transparency in security-related spending.

He warned that handing such leaders complete control of armed police formations would institutionalise abuse, weaponise politics and plunge the country into more profound insecurity, as poorly regulated state police could provide cover for violent gangs, legitimise terror and enable politically motivated reprisals.

Omirhobo also expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing trend in parts of the North where some political elites, religious leaders and traditional rulers allegedly portray armed groups as “peace makers” or “freedom fighters.”

He said such narratives have emboldened terrorists, weakened state authority and intensified attacks on indigenous communities.

The human rights lawyer further stated that violent actors are increasingly being praised instead of punished. At the same time, innocent citizens continue to suffer, a development he believes fuels impunity and undermines national security.

The rights activist warned that, if implemented under prevailing political conditions, state police would become a weapon in the hands of governors who already excuse or enable banditry.

He said such leaders may use state-controlled forces to shield terrorists under the guise of reintegration, intimidate political opponents, enforce ideological agendas and consolidate regional power structures, stressing that state police must never become state-sponsored militias.

Omirhobo urged the federal government to prioritise strengthening the Nigeria Police Force by recruiting more federal police officers, investing in modern equipment and intelligence systems and expanding community-based policing models under national standards.

He also called for stronger collaboration among police, prosecutors and the judiciary to enhance the delivery of justice. He emphasised that until Nigeria achieves transparent governance, fiscal accountability, functional institutions and a legal framework capable of checking abuse, state police will not resolve insecurity but rather multiply it, politicise it and turn violence into formal state policy.

He therefore appealed to President Tinubu to adopt a phased and well-regulated reform process, insisting that Nigeria must act wisely by reforming and expanding federal policing first, building safeguards, and then, only when institutions are strong enough to prevent abuse, consider the creation of state police.