The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust has said that the proposed establishment of state police will not provide a comprehensive solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the organisation said it had taken note of recent remarks by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, who indicated that the creation of state police could soon become a reality.
While acknowledging the position of the police chief, the commission maintained that from a security and human rights perspective, the creation of state police alone would not adequately address the country’s security problems.
The group referenced Section 214(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides for a single national police structure aimed at preserving unity and institutional neutrality.
According to the commission, decentralising police powers within Nigeria’s current political environment could create several risks, including the potential use of security agencies to suppress political opposition.
It warned that the establishment of state police could lead to the misuse of security structures against political opponents, promote ethnic or sectional bias in law enforcement, expose the financial limitations of many states in maintaining professional police forces, and weaken intelligence sharing and coordination.
The organisation also cited Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right to life and the security of every individual.
The commission further called for an end to what it described as the politicisation of security issues in the country, stressing that security institutions must serve the nation rather than partisan or sectional interests.
It added that any security reform in Nigeria should be constitutional, rights-centred, professional, and designed to strengthen long-term peace and justice.
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