State Police Will Address Insecurity In Northern Nigeria – Youth Group

The Northern Youth Assembly has expressed strong support for the passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly, describing the proposed security reform as a practical solution to the persistent insecurity ravaging Northern Nigeria.

The group said the decentralisation of policing would significantly improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community protection and enable quicker responses to security threats across the region.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Secretary-General, Abdulhafiz Garba, the Assembly commended lawmakers for endorsing the constitution amendment bill, saying the overwhelming support reflected a growing national consensus on the need to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to the group, the North has for years borne the brunt of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling and communal clashes, with devastating consequences for livelihoods, economic activities and social stability.

Garba noted that while officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had continued to make sacrifices in the line of duty, the country’s centralised policing structure had struggled to effectively address the complex security challenges confronting various communities.

He argued that State Police would complement existing federal security agencies by bringing law enforcement closer to the people and enhancing trust between communities and security operatives.

“The establishment of State Police is one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. It offers renewed hope to millions of Nigerians, particularly those in Northern communities affected by insecurity,” he said.

The Assembly stated that recruiting personnel from local communities would improve intelligence gathering because such officers possess a better understanding of local languages, culture, terrain and social dynamics.

It added that decentralised policing would allow state commands to respond swiftly to emergencies without being hindered by lengthy bureaucratic procedures associated with distant command structures.

Beyond security gains, the group said the initiative would create employment opportunities for thousands of youths, reduce unemployment and provide productive engagement for young people across the region.

It further maintained that improved security would encourage investment, boost agricultural productivity, revive rural economies and facilitate the movement of goods and persons.

Drawing comparisons with countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany, the Assembly said decentralised policing had proven effective in addressing local security concerns while preserving national cohesion.

Youth Assembly, therefore, urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the reform, insisting that State Police represented a bold and necessary response to Nigeria’s evolving security realities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that promote peace, security, development and national unity.