In response to a surge in violent attacks and killings across Nigeria’s northern region, governors and traditional rulers have called on the National Assembly to expedite legislation for the establishment of state police forces. The appeal, made during a regional security summit in Kaduna on May 6, 2025, reflects growing frustration with the federal government’s centralized security framework, which has struggled to curb banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes in states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Borno.
The northern region has faced a relentless wave of insecurity, with armed groups launching coordinated attacks on rural communities, kidnapping residents for ransom, and disrupting agricultural activities. Recent incidents, including the massacre of over 20 villagers in Zamfara and the abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna, have heightened public outrage and underscored the limitations of the current security architecture. The governors, led by the Northern Governors’ Forum, argue that state police forces, tailored to local contexts, would enhance rapid response capabilities and foster community trust, addressing gaps in the federal police’s coverage.
The summit brought together key stakeholders, including the Emir of Zazzau, the Sultan of Sokoto, and security experts, who emphasized the need for decentralized policing to tackle the region’s unique challenges. Proponents of state police argue that locally controlled forces would be better equipped to gather intelligence, navigate cultural dynamics, and deter criminal activities. They point to the success of regional security outfits like Amotekun in the Southwest as a model, though critics warn of potential abuses, such as political manipulation or human rights violations, without robust oversight.
The call for state police aligns with ongoing constitutional amendment efforts, with the National Assembly debating bills to devolve policing powers to states. The governors have urged lawmakers to prioritize these reforms, proposing safeguards like independent oversight commissions to prevent misuse. They also advocated for increased funding for security agencies, better training for personnel, and the integration of technology, such as surveillance drones, to combat insurgency. Traditional rulers, meanwhile, pledged to mobilize community leaders to support intelligence-sharing and conflict resolution efforts.
Economic and social dimensions of insecurity were also addressed. The governors highlighted the role of poverty and unemployment in fueling crime, committing to initiatives like vocational training and agricultural support to engage youth. They also called for federal assistance in resettling displaced persons and rebuilding communities ravaged by violence. However, challenges remain, including political resistance to state police from some quarters and the need for consensus on funding and operational frameworks.
The summit’s resolutions have sparked national debate, with supporters arguing that state police could transform Nigeria’s security landscape, while skeptics demand clarity on implementation. As the National Assembly deliberates, the northern leaders’ unified stance underscores the urgency of addressing a crisis that threatens lives, livelihoods, and regional stability. The outcome of these efforts will shape the region’s future, with the hope of restoring peace to communities long plagued by violence.