The HallowMace Foundation Africa has welcomed the Senate’s passage of the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, describing the development as a major step toward addressing the country’s growing security challenges.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Anderson Osiebe, and Head of Public Communications Desk, Amb. Oguh Hyginus John, the organization said the move reflects longstanding calls by Nigerians for a decentralized policing system capable of responding more effectively to local security threats.
According to the foundation, the rise in banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes, and other criminal activities has exposed the limitations of the country’s centralized policing structure, making security sector reforms imperative.
“HallowMace Foundation Africa welcomes the passage of the constitutional amendment bill by the Senate seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, describing it as a significant step towards addressing the nation’s growing security challenges,” the statement said.
The group noted that the Senate’s action represents an important milestone in efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen grassroots security management.
However, while expressing support for the concept of state policing, HallowMace raised concerns over the possibility of abuse and political manipulation if adequate safeguards are not incorporated into the framework.
The organization warned that governors could potentially exercise excessive control over state police formations, using them to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent, influence elections, or settle political disputes.
“Given Nigeria’s political realities, these concerns cannot be ignored,” the statement added.
To prevent such abuses, the foundation called for clear constitutional provisions that would guarantee the operational independence of state police commands, ensure professional recruitment processes, and establish robust accountability and oversight mechanisms.
It further advocated oversight by state legislatures, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and relevant federal institutions to safeguard the integrity of the proposed policing system.
The group also stressed the need for recruitment processes that reflect the diversity of each state while adhering strictly to merit, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
Additionally, HallowMace urged policymakers to develop a clear framework for cooperation between state police formations and federal security agencies to avoid jurisdictional conflicts and promote effective intelligence sharing.
The foundation maintained that the success of state policing would depend not merely on its establishment but on the strength of the legal and institutional frameworks governing its operations.
It therefore called on the National Assembly, state governments, security experts, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to engage in extensive consultations before the policy is fully implemented.
According to the organization, the ultimate goal should be to create a policing system that enhances security, protects citizens’ rights, strengthens democratic institutions, and promotes public confidence.
While commending the Senate for advancing the bill, HallowMace emphasized that concerns relating to control, accountability, funding, and potential abuse must be comprehensively addressed to ensure that state police serves as an instrument of public safety rather than political oppression.
The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and advancing the security and welfare of Nigerians.
