Tinubu Says Constitutional Safeguards Will Prevent Abuse of State Police

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the proposed establishment of state police will not be abused, stating that the constitutional framework being developed contains adequate safeguards to prevent misuse by state governments. He said the reform is intended to strengthen internal security while maintaining accountability and respect for the rule of law.

Speaking during a meeting with members of the National Assembly and traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu said concerns that governors could use state police to intimidate political opponents are being addressed through carefully designed constitutional provisions. According to him, the proposed framework includes checks and balances that will ensure state police operate professionally and within the limits of the law.

The President argued that Nigeria's growing security challenges require a more decentralised policing structure capable of responding quickly to local threats. He noted that the current centralised system has placed enormous pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, making it difficult to effectively tackle insecurity across the country's diverse communities.

Tinubu explained that the proposed model draws lessons from other federal systems where state or regional police coexist with national security agencies. He maintained that the reform is aimed at improving intelligence gathering, enhancing community policing and enabling faster responses to crimes such as kidnapping, banditry and communal violence.

The push for state police has gained momentum in recent years, with many governors and security experts advocating constitutional amendments to establish sub-national policing. While supporters believe it will improve security, critics have expressed fears that governors could exploit state police for political purposes, particularly during elections.

The President, however, insisted that the proposed legal framework contains sufficient oversight mechanisms to protect citizens' rights and prevent political interference. He urged Nigerians to support the reform, describing it as a necessary step towards building a more effective and responsive security architecture.