State Police:Five Govs To Adopt Security Outfits

Morganable News/Security&Justice

The development follows the passage of the Executive Bill on state police by the House of Representatives last Thursday, a move widely seen as a major step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing system and addressing persistent security challenges across the country

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Five state governments have signalled readiness to transform their existing security outfits into full-fledged state police structures once the constitutional framework for decentralised policing is completed.

Findings indicate that Ondo, Kaduna, Anambra, Zamfara and Abia states are already positioning their local security agencies as the foundation for the proposed state police system.

While several other states have adopted a wait-and-see approach pending the conclusion of the constitutional amendment process and issuance of implementation guidelines.

The development follows the passage of the Executive Bill on state police by the House of Representatives last Thursday, a move widely seen as a major step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing system and addressing persistent security challenges across the country.

The bill was approved during plenary after lawmakers withdrew an earlier constitutional amendment proposal and instead adopted the Executive Bill, signalling a renewed commitment to restructuring internal security management.

Officials in the five proactive states argue that leveraging existing security outfits would fast-track the take-off of state police, reduce costs, and ensure operational efficiency from the outset.

They maintain that these agencies already possess institutional frameworks, trained personnel, and established intelligence networks built through years of collaboration with conventional security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the military.

According to them, starting from scratch would not only be expensive but could also delay the operationalisation of state police at a time when communities are demanding more responsive and locally grounded security systems.

Ondo Govt Considering Converting Amotekun To State Police

In Ondo State, strong indications have emerged that the government is considering converting the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, into a state police structure.

The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, said the Amotekun Corps had developed the capacity required to transition seamlessly into state policing.

He noted that the personnel of the corps possess invaluable experience, deep knowledge of local terrain, and strong community relationships that would be critical to the success of state police.

“The men and officers of the Amotekun Corps would be well positioned for recruitment into the state police system. Their years of experience, knowledge of the local terrain, community relationships, and understanding of the security challenges confronting our people are assets that should not be discarded,” Sowore said.

He added that the state already has the structure, personnel, and institutional framework necessary to support the transition, expressing confidence in Ondo’s preparedness for state policing.

Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the Amotekun structure as a viable template for implementing state police, noting that it provides a tested model that can be expanded and formalised under the new system.

Kaduna To Build State Police From KADVIS

In Kaduna State, the government has indicated plans to build its state police framework around the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, also known as KADVIS.

Speaking during a training programme for KADVIS personnel, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, said the state was already strengthening the operational capacity of the outfit in anticipation of the constitutional amendment.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is very keen on the issue of state police. When the Constitution is eventually reviewed and state police become operational, where do we start from? You can rest assured it will start from here,” he said.

A senior government official, who requested anonymity, revealed that the state had prioritised upgrading the legal framework and operational procedures guiding the vigilance service, as well as enhancing training for personnel.

“With all things being equal, the government will strengthen and properly equip the Kaduna State Vigilance Service for greater efficiency. Personnel are already undergoing training programmes to improve their capacity to combat crime across the state,” the source said.

Zamfara To Convert CPG To State Police

In Zamfara State, the government has also expressed readiness to convert its Civilian Protection Guards into a state police force once the legal framework is finalised.

The Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal on Media and Publicity, Mustafa Kaura, said the existing structure provides a solid foundation for the transition.

“With the creation of the Civilian Protection Guards, the state government has already established a good security structure. The experience gained by personnel in the fight against insecurity will be invaluable,” he said.

Anambra To Restructure Security Outfit

The Anambra State Government has taken a similar stance, indicating that it will restructure its security outfit, Agunechemba, to align with the requirements of state policing.

The Senior Special Adviser to the governor on media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, said the state’s Homeland Security Law already contains elements comparable to what is being proposed at the national level.

“Although we have not seen the full details of the bill, there are clear similarities between what is being proposed and what we already have in operation. Our Agunechemba will be rejigged to fulfil the mandate of state police,” he said.

In Abia State, the government has hinted at plans to merge its Homeland Security outfit with community vigilante groups to form the backbone of the proposed state police.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the state would develop modalities for the take-off of the new system once the legal framework is in place.

While these states are taking proactive steps, others including Bayelsa, Yobe, Imo, Benue, Kebbi, Sokoto, Ogun and Ekiti have opted to wait for the completion of the constitutional process before making definitive decisions.

Officials in these states argue that it would be premature to determine whether existing security outfits should be integrated into the state police system without clarity on the final provisions of the law and operational guidelines.

In Bayelsa, for instance, the government acknowledged the existence of the Bayelsa Vigilante Service but said it had yet to establish a formal framework for transitioning to state police.

Analysts say the differing approaches among states reflect varying levels of preparedness, institutional capacity, and political will to embrace decentralised policing.

Security experts have long advocated state police as a solution to Nigeria’s complex security challenges, arguing that locally controlled forces would be better positioned to respond to community-specific threats and gather actionable intelligence.

However, concerns remain about potential abuse, funding constraints, and the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent political interference in state-controlled security agencies.

As the constitutional process progresses, the readiness of some states to build on existing structures may give them a head start once the legal framework is finalised.