Our Reporter, Abuja
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for strong constitutional safeguards, democratic oversight and professional standards to guide the establishment of State Police in Nigeria, warning that decentralised policing without proper checks could deepen political abuse.
In a memorandum submitted to the State Police Implementation Committee inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, the organisation said the push for State Police must be anchored on rule-of-law principles, transparency and accountability.
The memorandum, signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, acknowledged the inauguration of the committee as a significant step in Nigeria’s long-running debate on decentralised policing.
RULAAC noted that while insecurity and public dissatisfaction with policing outcomes have intensified calls for reform, decentralisation alone would not resolve Nigeria’s security challenges without strong institutional safeguards.
According to the group, the proposed State Police framework must be grounded in constitutionalism, operational professionalism, civilian democratic oversight, non-partisanship, human rights compliance, transparency and financial sustainability.
The organisation warned that before operationalising State Police, structural reforms must be implemented at the state level, particularly financial and institutional autonomy for state legislatures, judiciaries, local governments and State Independent Electoral Commissions.
“Without institutional checks and balances, concentration of coercive power at the state level risks abuse,” the memorandum stated.
RULAAC also recommended that any constitutional amendment establishing State Police should clearly define minimum national standards on recruitment, training, use-of-force rules, disciplinary processes and operational guidelines.
It further stressed the need for clearly defined jurisdictional boundaries between federal and state police to prevent inter-agency conflicts, while mechanisms for joint operations and intelligence sharing should be codified in law.
The organisation also proposed strict regulation of arms accessible to State Police through federal licensing approval and clear limits on weapon calibre, with emphasis on non-lethal equipment to prevent militarisation and weapons proliferation.
To ensure accountability, RULAAC recommended the establishment of independent oversight structures, including State Police Service Commissions with majority civilian membership and transparent appointment processes.
It also proposed independent civilian complaint boards with powers to subpoena records, recommend prosecution and publish investigation findings in cases of abuse.
In addition, the organisation suggested the creation of a federal oversight coordination body to ensure state police formations comply with national standards.
RULAAC further cautioned against allowing state governors unilateral powers to appoint or remove State Commissioners of Police, recommending instead that such appointments be made through independent commissions and subject to legislative confirmation.
The group also called for broader reforms within the Nigeria Police Force regardless of whether State Police is adopted.
These include publication of a costed annual policing plan, strengthening of internal affairs and public complaints units, introduction of digital case and custody management systems, and strict enforcement of zero tolerance for torture and extortion.
The organisation also advocated the withdrawal of excessive deployment of police personnel for VIP protection and the conduct of a transparent personnel audit and manpower strategy.
On human rights protections, RULAAC called for safeguards to prevent political policing, including prohibition of partisan involvement by police personnel and protection for journalists, civil society actors and whistleblowers.
It also recommended the use of body-worn cameras in certain operational contexts and public reporting of arrest and detention statistics to strengthen transparency.
The organisation advised the State Police Implementation Committee to adopt a phased and evidence-based implementation strategy rather than immediate nationwide rollout.
According to the group, pilot phases would allow authorities to test oversight mechanisms, assess financial sustainability, identify operational conflicts and evaluate the human rights impact before expansion.
RULAAC further emphasised that Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be addressed through policing reforms alone, noting that poverty, unemployment, corruption, governance deficits and weak justice systems remain major drivers of violence and crime.
“The establishment of State Police presents both opportunity and risk,” the organisation stated.
It added that with proper constitutional safeguards and independent oversight, decentralised policing could improve responsiveness, strengthen local accountability, deepen federalism and restore public trust in law enforcement.
RULAAC said it remains ready to provide technical input, comparative research and stakeholder engagement support as the committee proceeds with its mandate.
