The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has frowned at the Tinubu’s proposed creation of state police.
The council described the move as a misplaced priority that would do little to reform the nation’s beleaguered security architecture.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna by the NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar.
Abubakar said the plan threatens to compound existing problems such as underfunding, manpower shortages, cramped welfare packages, poor equipment, and alleged corruption in security agencies.
According to him, creating state police is a waste of time and a misplaced priority. “What we need is a commitment to fix and strengthen the current system,” he said.
The president argued that existing institutions, especially the Nigeria Police Force is currently struggling with systemic constraints, including inadequate budgets and staff, outdated logistics, and operational inefficiencies.
According to Abubakar, if the government was serious about tackling insecurity, there must be a robust recruitment drive and proper welfare provisions within the NPF rather than broadening the scope with new agencies.
He further highlighted the political risks of a state-controlled police force, warning that such an entity could become a tool for intimidation and suppression.
He stated; “Nigerian politicians are not yet mature enough to handle a security structure without federal oversight.
“We are convinced they will abuse the authority entrusted to state police and violate citizens’ fundamental rights.”
Contrary to what several states have had to say about the establishment of regional security outfits to address local threats, the NYCN leader argued that such motives alone were not enough to justify what could become a politically weaponised tool.
Abubakar proposed the immediate inauguration of a committee to overhaul and expand the Nigeria Police Force noting that the nation with a population exceeding 200 million currently operates with fewer than 300,000 officers, which is inadequate.
He added; “We are proposing a law enforcement body of at least five million officers. That number better aligns with contemporary demands and demographic realities.
“History will vindicate us. In moments of crucial national decisions like this, we must add our voice and say no to state police.
“The alternative is to build a stronger, better-resourced, and more accountable federal police force—not a politically segmented one.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday, while lamenting the recent spate of bandit attacks in the North, disclosed that plans were underway to establish state police.
He said; “I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”
However, some people have argued that the federal government should focus on address underlying issues in the Nigerian Force such as underfunding, lack of personnel, and poor welfare—should be addressed before considering creating additional policing agencies.
