Regional Groups Intensify Calls For State Police As Insecurity Worsens Across Nigeria

Regional Groups Intensify Calls for State Police as Insecurity Worsens Across Nigeria Growing concerns over kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across Nigeria have prompted regional and political groups to demand urgent government action, with renewed support emerging for the establishment of state police as a key strategy to address the country’s security challenges.

The calls intensified amid a worsening security situation that has seen communities across several regions grapple with rising cases of abduction, armed attacks and organised criminal activity. Regional organisations, security experts and political stakeholders argue that existing security structures are struggling to contain the threats, fueling demands for far-reaching reforms. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) called on the Federal Government to declare a national security emergency, warning that escalating violence, kidnappings and banditry have reached alarming levels. The group said public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property is eroding as insecurity spreads across different parts of the country. In the South-West, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere warned that communities must become more vigilant in the face of increasing cases of kidnapping and bandit attacks. The group stressed the need for stronger security measures while cautioning against allowing criminal groups to gain further footholds in the region. Meanwhile, the Democratic Leadership Alliance reportedly issued a 14-day ultimatum to the administration of Bola Tinubu, demanding decisive action to curb the wave of kidnappings and violent crime affecting citizens nationwide. Security experts and retired senior security officials have also thrown their weight behind proposals for state police, arguing that decentralised policing could improve intelligence gathering, community engagement and rapid response to local security threats. However, they cautioned that constitutional, operational and funding issues must be carefully addressed to ensure effective implementation. The renewed debate comes as lawmakers continue deliberations on legislation that could pave the way for state police. Senate leaders have expressed optimism that progress can be made on the proposed reforms, which supporters believe would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and complement federal law enforcement efforts.

Recent incidents have underscored the severity of the crisis. Across parts of northern Nigeria, bandit groups continue to carry out kidnappings, attacks on communities and ransom operations, while reports indicate that insecurity is increasingly spreading into areas previously considered relatively safe. Analysts warn that failure to address the deteriorating security environment could have broader consequences for national stability, economic growth and investor confidence. Community leaders and advocacy groups argue that without urgent intervention, rising violence may further weaken public trust in state institutions and encourage calls for self-defence initiatives in vulnerable communities. As pressure mounts on the Federal Government, regional organisations are urging authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy that combines stronger security operations, institutional reforms and community-based solutions to tackle the root causes of insecurity and restore public confidence across the country.