By Fatima Saka
The lawmaker representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Benson Sunday Agadaga, has declared that Nigeria is now ripe for the establishment of state police, saying decentralised policing has become necessary to address the country’s worsening security challenges.
Agadaga, who spoke during an interview on the growing national debate over policing reforms, said the persistent security threats across the country have shown that the current centralised policing structure is no longer sufficient to effectively protect communities.
According to him, the agitation for state police is largely driven by the need for security operatives who understand the local environment and can respond more effectively to threats within their communities.
“State police is long overdue in Nigeria. The agitation of the people is that we should have police officers who understand the environment and can concentrate on the security of the states where they belong,” the senator said.
He explained that indigenous security personnel would have a better understanding of the terrain, culture and security dynamics of their areas, making them more effective in tackling crimes such as banditry, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.
The lawmaker cited the complex creeks of the Niger Delta as an example, noting that officers unfamiliar with the difficult waterways and terrain may struggle to carry out security operations effectively in the region.
Addressing concerns that governors might misuse state police to manipulate elections or intimidate political opponents, Agadaga acknowledged the risk but argued that abuse of security institutions is not limited to state authorities.
He noted that the federal government could also deploy centrally controlled security agencies for political advantage, stressing the need for strong legal safeguards regardless of the policing structure.
Agadaga suggested that Nigeria could adopt a hybrid system where both federal and state police operate under clear constitutional guidelines and strong oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse.
Despite potential drawbacks, the senator insisted that the benefits of decentralised policing outweigh the risks, stressing that ensuring the safety of citizens must come before political considerations.
“We need security first. People must be alive before anyone can even talk about elections or political advantage,” he said.
While expressing support for state policing, the senator disclosed that he personally prefers a regional police system similar to the structure that existed in Nigeria before 1966, arguing that it could reduce the likelihood of governors personalising security forces.
He explained that criminal activities often cut across state borders, citing instances where kidnapping victims are moved quickly from one state to another, making regional coordination more effective.
Agadaga also commended the current administration in Bayelsa State for maintaining relative peace and stability through collaboration among security agencies and regular security meetings.
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He noted that cooperation among the police, navy and army, alongside surveillance operations and community engagement, has helped authorities apprehend criminal elements and discourage further crimes in the state.
The senator further emphasised the role of lawmakers in governance, noting that although the legislature is not part of the executive arm, legislators continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
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