State police not enough, Nigeria needs highway, tourist cops - Ex-Osun lawmaker

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, has stated that Nigeria requires more than the recently approved state police system to effectively address its security challenges. While congratulating Nigerians on the Senate's passage of the State Police Bill, he described it as a historic milestone towards a more effective and community-oriented security architecture.

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For years, I have remained a vocal advocate of state police because I firmly believed that Nigeria’s evolving security realities require a more localised approach.

Oyintiloye, an All Progressives Congress stalwart, argued that security is most effective when locally driven and intelligence-led. He has long advocated for state police, believing Nigeria's evolving security landscape demands a localized approach. He expressed delight that this "long-held dream" is becoming a reality under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

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Today, I am delighted that this long-held dream for our dear nation has become a reality under the courageous and visionary leadership of the President.

However, Oyintiloye emphasized the need for a multi-layered policing system. "Nigeria needs more policing structures. It is good that we have state police now. It is the right step. But beyond that, we should have other policing structures. We should have highway police, tourist police, among others," he stated. He believes the establishment of state police will enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community policing, but stressed that these efforts should be supplemented by specialized units to address emerging security concerns. Oyintiloye also called for the integration of modern security technology to support the new policing framework.

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The truth is, Nigeria needs more policing structures. It is good that we have state police now. It is the right step. But beyond that, we should have other policing structures. We should have highway police, tourist police, among others.