A new framework before the constitutional review process recommends a two-tier policing structure with a smaller federal force and larger state commands.
Nigeria's state police debate has taken a concrete turn after a police committee proposed transferring most officers to state services under a new national framework.
Security Developments
A committee set up to propose a framework for state police has recommended that up to 60 per cent of Nigeria's serving police personnel be transferred into future state police services if the reform is eventually adopted.
The report, submitted to the Senate committee reviewing the 1999 Constitution, proposes a two-tier policing structure made up of a Federal Police Service and 37 State Police Services covering the states and the Federal Capital Territory. Under that model, the federal layer would focus on national security, terrorism, interstate crime and other strategic duties.
Next Security Steps
By contrast, the state services would take primary responsibility for local offences such as armed robbery, homicide, domestic violence and community policing. The framework also suggests a voluntary transfer programme, transition support for officers moving to state commands, and measures to protect pension continuity.
Another key proposal is the creation of a National Police Standards Board to set and enforce minimum rules on recruitment, training, accountability and funding across the country. That would be designed to stop a fragmented system from producing wildly different standards from one state to another.
The recommendations will not settle the argument on their own, and security experts remain divided. But the report gives the long-running state police debate a more detailed operational shape and places lawmakers under greater pressure to decide whether the country is ready for such a shift.
