Nigeria’s ongoing debate over the establishment of state police has received fresh attention following calls for a deeper evaluation of the country’s policing structure by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Hashimu Salihu Argungu.
Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, stressed the importance of examining the foundational issues affecting the Nigeria Police Force before implementing any structural changes.
His remarks came during a working visit by members of the Committee for the Implementation of State Police to the PSC headquarters.
The committee, which is responsible for designing a framework for state police operations in Nigeria, was led by its chairman, Olu Ogunsakin.
During the meeting, the delegation explained that its visit was aimed at gaining insight from the PSC’s long-standing experience in police oversight and administration.
According to Ogunsakin, the assignment given to the committee is both sensitive and demanding because it involves proposing reforms that could reshape policing in Nigeria.
He noted that the commission’s institutional knowledge would be invaluable in helping the committee understand past challenges and avoid repeating mistakes as discussions around state police continue.
Ogunsakin explained that the committee recognises the strategic role the PSC plays in Nigeria’s law enforcement architecture, particularly in areas such as recruitment, discipline, and oversight of police personnel.
He described the PSC chairman as a reservoir of knowledge whose guidance would help the committee navigate the complex process of recommending workable policing reforms.
The committee chairman added that members of the team were determined to thoroughly examine the current structure of policing in Nigeria and recommend practical solutions that could strengthen the security system nationwide.
He emphasised that collaboration with key institutions like the PSC would help them build a credible and sustainable operational framework for state police if the policy is eventually adopted.
Responding to the delegation, Argungu advised the committee to approach its task with careful planning and detailed analysis.
He urged members to first identify the core problems that triggered the growing demand for state police across Nigeria.
According to him, understanding the root causes behind the agitation for decentralised policing will help policymakers develop effective solutions rather than merely introducing structural changes that may not address the underlying challenges.
Argungu also highlighted the importance of examining how different categories of offences are currently handled within the legal system.
He encouraged the committee to study the relationship between federal and state offences, noting that a proper balance must be established if a state police structure is to function effectively.
The PSC chairman further urged the committee to analyse the distinction between public wrongs and private disputes within the Nigerian legal framework.
Such an evaluation, he said, would help determine which responsibilities should fall under federal policing authorities and which could be handled by state-level agencies.
Another key issue raised during the meeting was the relevance of existing laws guiding policing in Nigeria.
Argungu pointed out that some regulations may no longer reflect the realities of modern security challenges.
He therefore advised the committee to review whether current legal provisions remain suitable for addressing the complex threats faced in the 21st century.
In addition, Argungu encouraged the committee to study countries where decentralised policing systems have been successfully implemented.
He said examining international experiences would provide valuable lessons on both the advantages and potential pitfalls of state police systems.
By analysing these global models, he explained, the committee would be better positioned to develop recommendations tailored specifically to Nigeria’s political, social, and security environment.
The PSC chairman also emphasised the importance of thoroughness in the committee’s work.
He advised members not to rush their assignment, stressing that the quality of their recommendations would be more important than speed.
If necessary, he said, the committee should request additional time to ensure that its findings and proposals are comprehensive and practical.
A statement released by the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, confirmed that several members of the commission’s board were present during the visit.
Among those in attendance were retired Justice of the Supreme Court Paul Adamu Galumje, representing the judiciary on the commission’s board, and retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Taiwo Lakanu, who represents the police institution.
Also present at the meeting was the Secretary to the Commission, Onyemuche Nnamani, who participated in discussions on the future of policing reforms and the potential introduction of state police structures.
The committee’s mandate includes developing a comprehensive operational blueprint that would guide the establishment and coordination of state policing systems if approved by the federal government.
This involves proposing mechanisms for recruitment, determining appropriate training standards, and recommending how resources should be allocated to ensure efficiency and accountability.
Security analysts have long argued that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population and complex security threats require reforms that strengthen law enforcement institutions at all levels.
However, the debate over state police remains sensitive due to concerns about political interference, funding capacity, and coordination with federal agencies.
As deliberations continue, experts believe consultations with institutions like the PSC will play a critical role in shaping policies that could transform Nigeria’s policing system for the future.
