The committee established by the Inspector-General of Police to frame the establishment of state police has proposed the transfer of at least 60% of the Nigerian Police officers to state police services. This recommendation is part of the committee's report submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
The current police strength in Nigeria is approximately 370,000 officers, which translates to one officer for every 600 citizens. This ratio falls short of the United Nations-recommended ratio of one police officer to 450 citizens. If the committee's recommendation is adopted, about 222,000 police officers will be moved to state police services.
The proposed framework for the establishment of state police includes a two-tier policing architecture, with a Federal Police Service handling national security, terrorism, and interstate crime, while state police services focus on local criminal offences, domestic violence, and community policing.
Security experts have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal, with some arguing that state police services should operate independently, rather than sharing personnel with the federal police.
The Inspector-General of Police's committee has proposed a significant overhaul of Nigeria's policing system, with a focus on community policing and state police services. However, the plan to transfer 60% of federal police officers to state police services raises concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach. The Nigerian government must carefully consider the implications of this proposal, including the potential impact on national security and the need for adequate funding for state police services. The establishment of a National Police Standards Board is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the erosion of trust between Nigerian communities and the police. Ultimately, the success of this proposal will depend on its ability to address the root causes of the security challenges facing Nigeria.
