President Bola Tinubu assured United States and European partners that Nigeria will soon establish state police to enhance national security, expressing strong confidence during an APC caucus meeting.
Speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja, Tinubu revealed he bragged to foreign governments about passing state police legislation, relying on his party's National Assembly majority. He dismissed concerns over potential abuse by governors, promising robust legal frameworks and checks to prevent misuse, and stressed that "it must happen" amid rising insecurity. Tinubu linked this to broader reforms, urging APC leaders to ensure flexibility, tolerance, and party cohesion for stability.
Tinubu emphasized implementing the Supreme Court's recent ruling on local government autonomy, insisting direct funding to councils without state interference. He warned that autonomy means nothing without funded mandates, calling on governors to comply fully to strengthen grassroots governance. The president highlighted leadership responsibilities at all levels, noting strong local governance stabilizes communities.
This pledge aligns with Tinubu's earlier security emergency declaration, authorizing 20,000 more police recruits and forest guard deployments against bandits. Calls for state police have intensified amid banditry and kidnappings, with Senate efforts to equate kidnapping to terrorism carrying the death penalty. Tinubu also advocated greater women inclusion in APC leadership and party reconciliation.
Multiple outlets confirm Tinubu's renewed push, with governors urged to support amid APC dominance in the National Assembly. Critics note historical resistance from some governors fearing power dilution, but Tinubu's international assurances signal momentum toward multi-level policing. The move could decentralize security, addressing Nigeria's over-stretched federal forces.