President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state police as part of broader efforts to tackle Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.
The President made the pledge on Tuesday during a closed-door meeting with a delegation from Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Sources familiar with the meeting said discussions centred on the persistent security issues affecting Plateau State and other parts of the country, with particular attention given to the need for more localised and responsive policing structures.
Tinubu’s remarks come in the wake of his recent visit to Plateau State following the deadly Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, which left several residents dead and heightened concerns about the effectiveness of current security arrangements.
According to insiders, the President emphasised that the creation of state police remains a key component of his administration’s long-term strategy to improve security across Nigeria. He reportedly told the delegation that decentralising policing would enable faster response to threats and allow states to address unique security challenges more effectively.
Advocates of state police have long argued that Nigeria’s centralised policing system is overstretched and often unable to respond swiftly to local incidents, especially in rural or conflict-prone areas. They believe that empowering states with their own police forces would enhance intelligence gathering, improve accountability, and strengthen community trust.
However, the proposal has also generated debate among stakeholders. Critics have raised concerns about potential abuse of state-controlled police by governors, warning that such a system could be used for political purposes if not properly regulated.
Despite these concerns, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently expressed support for the initiative, framing it as a necessary reform to address evolving security threats across the country.
The meeting with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and other Plateau stakeholders is part of ongoing consultations between the federal government and state leaders on how best to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Plateau State has experienced recurring episodes of violence in recent years, often linked to communal tensions and criminal activities. The latest incident in Angwan Rukuba has intensified calls for urgent and effective security measures.
While no official timeline has been announced for the establishment of state police, the President’s renewed commitment signals that discussions on the reform are gaining momentum within government circles.
Political analysts note that implementing state police would require constitutional amendments and broad consensus among federal and state actors, as well as safeguards to prevent misuse.
For now, Tinubu’s assurance provides a clear indication that his administration is exploring structural changes to Nigeria’s security framework, with state policing positioned as a central pillar in efforts to curb violence and restore public confidence.
As consultations continue, stakeholders are expected to engage further on the legal, operational, and political implications of the proposal, which could mark a significant shift in how security is managed across the country.
