BREAKING: Justification For State Police Has Gained Ground, Those Craving For It Should Know The Danger – Sani

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central and prominent rights advocate, Shehu Sani, has advised Nigerians to carefully examine the implications of establishing state police before embracing the idea as a solution to the country’s security problems.

Sani shared his views through a post on his verified X account at a time when calls for state-controlled police forces are becoming increasingly louder across Nigeria. The proposal has gained support amid persistent security challenges, including kidnappings, bandit attacks, and other criminal activities affecting many communities, especially in rural areas.

Many proponents of state police believe that decentralizing law enforcement would enable state governments to respond more effectively to local security threats and improve public safety. However, Sani expressed reservations, warning that the initiative could create new challenges if adequate safeguards are not put in place.

According to him, one of the major risks is the possibility that state police could be manipulated by political leaders to intimidate opponents or target citizens for partisan reasons. He stressed that while the concept may seem appealing in the face of worsening insecurity, Nigerians should take time to consider both its potential benefits and its possible drawbacks.

The former lawmaker urged supporters of the proposal to critically assess its long-term consequences rather than viewing it as a guaranteed remedy for the country’s security concerns. He maintained that establishing state-controlled law enforcement agencies may not automatically resolve the challenges confronting Nigeria.

His remarks come amid growing national conversations on security reform, with policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens exploring various strategies aimed at tackling crime and strengthening public safety across the country.

The issue of state police continues to generate debate as Nigerians seek effective and sustainable approaches to maintaining law and order while addressing the nation’s evolving security threats.