By Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. The recent meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum, held in Kano, strongly advocated for urgent legislation by the National Assembly to establish state police across the country.
The high-level gathering—convened in response to rising insecurity and renewed terrorist attacks in parts of Northern Nigeria—emphasized the pressing need to decentralize policing in order to effectively counter growing security threats.
The governors of the 19 northern states, along with traditional rulers from the region, unanimously endorsed the creation of state police and urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislative processes required to make it a reality.
The leaders believe that devolving policing powers to the state level would significantly enhance the region’s capacity to respond to local security challenges.
Security Challenges Confronting the North
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation and peer review in addressing the developmental and security challenges facing the North—and the country at large. The forum also commended President Bola Tinubu for his “sustained commitment” to tackling insecurity and closing infrastructure gaps in the region.
Gombe State Governor and NSGF Chairman, Inuwa Yahaya, who read the communiqué, stated that the governors plan to engage the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to develop a framework that supports federal security agencies.
He also announced plans to establish inter-state platforms for joint border surveillance and to strengthen local security structures.
Governor Yahaya expressed deep concern over the recent surge in terrorist attacks across Plateau, Benue, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states.
“These mindless acts of violence against innocent citizens reinforce the urgency to intensify our security efforts,” the NSGF chairman stated.
While commending President Tinubu’s infrastructure initiatives—including the Kaduna-Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline—Governor Yahaya also highlighted the need for proactive measures to address recurring issues such as farmer-herder clashes, floods, and droughts.
Governors and Traditional Leaders Collaborate for Common Ground
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, praised the collaboration between governors and traditional rulers.
“Despite our diversity, we have found common ground to build consensus on critical issues,” he said.
Governor Sani also called for the development of a regional roadmap for peace and development. He commended President Tinubu’s commitment to completing abandoned infrastructure projects vital to the northern economy.
Traditional Rulers Support Efforts to Restore Peace
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, reaffirmed the resolve of traditional leaders to support efforts aimed at restoring peace.
He condemned the rising insecurity and called for unity and decisive action from all stakeholders.
“Every life matters. We must abandon divisive narratives and recognize that a criminal anywhere is a threat to us all,” the Sultan stated.
While acknowledging efforts made so far, he stressed that as long as people continue to be killed, the perception will remain that not enough is being done.
He urged the Federal Government to do more to reassure citizens and break the cycle of violence, emphasizing that the North’s challenges are of national importance and require urgent, collective action.
The joint meeting was attended by governors from Nasarawa, Gombe, Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kogi, Yobe, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Jigawa states, along with 19 prominent traditional rulers from across the region.
Divergent Views on the Creation of State Police
The proposal to establish state police as a strategy to address grassroots insecurity has sparked debate among Nigerians.
Jamil Faruk, a criminologist, supports the creation of state police.
He believes it would significantly reduce security threats.
“Those to be recruited will be members of the communities they serve. Locals know their terrain better than someone posted from elsewhere. For instance, it is difficult for an officer from Enugu, posted to a rural area in Katsina or Zamfara, to work effectively,” he explained.
While some fear that politicians—especially governors—might abuse the powers of a state police force for personal or political gain, proponents argue that the benefits outweigh the risks, particularly in improving day-to-day security.
Judicial Independence Can Prevent Abuse of State Police
Comrade James Nkechi, a human rights activist, emphasized that if the judiciary operates in accordance with its constitutional mandate, the establishment of state police would not pose a threat.
“The police are meant to prosecute cases, but it is the courts that determine outcomes. Unfortunately, the police sometimes handle cases arbitrarily,” he said.
He urged governors, as the chief security officers of their states, to act objectively in safeguarding lives and property, reminding them that their positions are temporary.
With the perspectives shared and resolutions adopted at the Northern Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly is being urged to take swift action in passing legislation to establish state police—backed by strong legal safeguards to prevent abuse of power by state officials.
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