The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has called on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to accelerate the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy think tank expressed concern over what it described as delays in implementing a decentralised policing system, arguing that the country’s security challenges require urgent reforms.
According to IMPI, the police force should serve as the foundation of Nigeria’s internal security framework, stressing that officers recruited from and deployed within their local environments would be more effective due to their familiarity with the terrain, culture and people.
“We acknowledge ongoing efforts to establish state police as part of the nation’s security apparatus. However, police officers must be recruited from and deployed to the local environment they are familiar with,” the group stated.
It argued that locally recruited officers would possess a better understanding of community dynamics and security threats, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts.
Consequently, IMPI urged lawmakers to invoke the doctrine of necessity to ensure the speedy passage of legislation creating state police without further delay.
The group also called on state governments to promote community participation in security matters by engaging local stakeholders and fostering collective responsibility for public safety.
According to IMPI, community mobilisation remains a critical tool for addressing security challenges, as it brings together traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and government agencies to work towards common goals.
“Community mobilisation is aimed at fostering solutions that support good governance, accountability, representative participation and peaceful change. Participation in community mobilisation is about addressing the interests of the entire community, with security at the top,” the statement added.
The policy group maintained that strengthening grassroots involvement in security management, alongside the creation of state police, would significantly enhance the nation’s capacity to tackle emerging threats and improve public safety across the country.
