Nigeria's Southwest Security Group Urges Tinubu to Expedite State Police Bill

The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) has called on President Bola Tinubu to accelerate the process of establishing state police in Nigeria. This plea comes after the National Assembly passed a constitutional amendment paving the way for such a system. The SSSG, a coalition of various Yoruba cultural and security groups, held a meeting in Lagos to discuss the issue.

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The Southwest, parts of the South-South and South-East, the North and even the Middle Belt, are not yet free from disturbing criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other forms of violence that threaten the peace and development of our communities.

The group highlighted that while the Southwest has experienced relative security in recent months, proactive measures are essential to prevent the spread of criminal activities. They pointed to ongoing insecurity in other parts of Nigeria, including armed robbery and kidnapping, as reasons for strengthening local policing capabilities. The SSSG stressed that decentralizing security could enable states to respond more effectively to local challenges.

Leaders of the SSSG, including Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, urged governors and State Houses of Assembly in the Southwest to prioritize the necessary legal and budgetary frameworks for state police. They acknowledged that the constitutional amendment still requires approval from at least 24 state assemblies. The group expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation and sought clarity from the government on the reform's status.

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This situation calls for a united front and proactive measures from all stakeholders, government at all levels, security agencies, traditional institutions and civil society groups.

The SSSG believes that establishing state police is a significant reform for Nigeria's security architecture. They argue that delays could hinder efforts to address insecurity at the community level and urged all stakeholders, including government bodies, security agencies, and civil society groups, to unite and expedite action.

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