The Niger State Government has expressed support for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
Governor Umar Bago stated the position of the state government at the 2nd Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture and Award Series organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja.
He said; ‘the growing wave of insecurity across the country requires a policing system that is closer to the people and capable of responding effectively to local security challenges.”
The Governor who was represented by the APC National Vice Chairman (North-Central), Mr. Muazu Rijau said that the increasing rate of crime and insecurity had demonstrated the need for a more responsive security architecture.
“When we look at the rate of crime and insecurity in Nigeria, it becomes clear that there is a need for a more effective security architecture that can respond to the peculiar challenges of our communities.” Govenror Bago said.
He stressed that Niger State supported the emergence of state police and that security challenges occurred within communities and cities and therefore required a policing system with local knowledge.
“We in Niger State and across Africa would love to see State Police become a reality in Nigeria. Everything happens in our communities and cities. This is why we believe there is a need to bring policing closer to the people,” he said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu also welcomed the ongoing debate, saying “security remained fundamental to socio-economic development.”
He said the Nigeria Police Force was committed to supporting constitutional and legislative efforts aimed at strengthening law enforcement, improving community safety and promoting accountable and citizen-centred policing.
