State Police Is Not the Answer, Restructuring Nigeria Is

Nigeria is grappling with a significant debate surrounding the Tinubu administration's renewed push for state police. This initiative has brought to the forefront one of the most consequential public-policy discussions in the country's democratic history, directly addressing the pervasive security failures that afflict millions of Nigerians.

The momentum behind the state police proposal is fueled by the stark reality of escalating insecurity across the nation. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, communal conflicts, and organized crime have become disturbingly commonplace, overwhelming the existing security architecture.

However, the author, Obiageli Ezekwesili, contends that the establishment of state police is not the ultimate solution. Instead, she argues that the fundamental issue lies in the need for a broader restructuring of Nigeria itself. This perspective suggests that addressing the root causes of insecurity requires a more comprehensive approach than simply decentralizing policing powers.