Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to a major overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, assuring senior representatives of both the United States and the European Union (EU) that the establishment of state police will form a cornerstone of his administration’s strategy to improve internal security and protect citizens amid persistent violent crime, banditry and insurgency. Speaking to ruling party leaders at a high-level All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting in Abuja, the President said the decentralisation of policing is inevitable and essential for stabilising communities across Nigeria.
Tinubu told his international partners that he had engaged in “a very long discussion” with US and European counterparts about Nigeria’s security challenges and had assured them that state police legislation would be passed to strengthen public safety. “I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass a state police to improve security,” he said, expressing confidence in the political will and legislative capacity of his party to deliver the reform. “They asked me if I’m confident, and I said yes — I have a party to depend on.”
The President emphasised that decentralised policing — empowering states to establish their own security forces — is not just a political reform but a practical response to persistent insecurity that has strained the capacity of the federal security apparatus. By bringing policing closer to local communities, the government hopes to enhance responsiveness to kidnappings, cattle rustling, banditry and other threats in rural and urban areas alike.
Tinubu’s assurances come against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s security architecture, where critics have long argued that a centralised policing system struggles to address diverse, region-specific threats. Proponents of state police contend that devolved forces will be better positioned to understand local dynamics, build community trust and act swiftly to prevent crime before it escalates.
At the caucus meeting, the President linked the push for state police with other governance reforms, including the implementation of a recent Supreme Court judgement on local government financial autonomy, which he said must be fully embraced and resourced to strengthen grassroots governance. He told party leaders and governors that effective local policing cannot be separated from broader efforts to empower local authorities and enhance accountability at all levels of government.
International partners reportedly pressed Tinubu on the feasibility of the proposed reforms and sought assurances that implementation would be sustained. The President’s response underscored his confidence not only in the APC’s legislative majority but also in the broader resolve of Nigeria’s democratic institutions to translate policy frameworks into legal instruments that can boost security.
Security analysts note that while establishing state police will require constitutional amendments and careful design to prevent misuse, the move represents one of the most ambitious proposed changes to Nigeria’s security structure in decades. Supporters argue that by distributing policing authority, states will be able to tailor strategies to local needs, reduce the burden on federal resources and foster community-centric approaches to public safety.
The President also called on APC governors to support the reforms and to work collaboratively with the National Assembly to expedite the passage of necessary legislation. He urged party leaders to embrace flexibility and inclusivity as they push for changes that, in his view, will not only improve security but also deepen democratic governance and community engagement.
Tinubu’s international assurances come at a critical moment for Nigeria’s global partnerships, as diplomatic engagement on security issues has intensified amid international concern over violent crime and human rights. By aligning state police reform with his broader national security agenda, the President signalled a willingness to engage both domestic and external stakeholders in a shared effort to make Nigeria safer for all citizens.
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