NIGERIA POISED FOR STATE POLICING REFORM — FG ASSURES

By: Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus.

Date: Friday, 27th February, 2026 (10th Ramadan, 1447 AH).

Abuja — THE Federal Government has stated that Nigeria has reached a stage where the adoption of state police has become both necessary and achievable, citing growing security demands across the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while speaking with stakeholders in Abuja, noting that decentralising policing would allow states to respond more effectively to local security challenges.

According to him, the current security framework has placed enormous pressure on federal law enforcement agencies, making collaboration with state-managed police structures increasingly important.

He explained that community-based policing would enhance intelligence gathering and foster closer relationships between residents and security operatives.

The minister added that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to security sector reforms and has encouraged legislative action that would provide a constitutional backing for state police.

He stressed that safeguards would be built into the system to prevent abuse while ensuring accountability.

Idris further observed that insecurity varies across regions, and allowing states to design policing strategies tailored to their peculiar environments would strengthen national stability.

He also noted that several state governments have expressed readiness to support the initiative once the legal groundwork is completed.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its position that state policing, if properly regulated, would complement existing security agencies rather than weaken national cohesion.