Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ambrose Aisabor has called for Nigeria to adopt state policing to address its security challenges.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin, Aisabor emphasised that the centralized police system’s inability to effectively manage insecurity over the past 15 years highlights the need for decentralized policing.
“It’s time to embrace state police,” Aisabor stated. “The debate has been ongoing, with many Nigerians advocating for this change due to the federal police’s shortcomings.”
He pointed out that the worsening security situation necessitates a shift, noting concerns about potential misuse by state governors but arguing that all levels of police are susceptible to misuse.
“Many civilized countries practice multilevel policing with safeguards for checks and balances,” he added.
Aisabor explained that most police logistical needs are already supported by state governments, aside from salaries and allowances covered by the federal government.
“Community policing initiatives can only truly succeed under state jurisdiction, as they are more connected to local communities than the federal government,” Aisabor said.
He noted that countries with multilevel policing benefit from having police at not only the state level but also local, educational, and corporate levels.
He also expressed skepticism about the likelihood of support from any Inspector-General of Police, citing potential concerns about losing power and control.
