Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has called on the National Assembly to ensure that any legislation establishing state police guarantees their operational independence and prevents them from becoming extensions of the Federal Government.
The group made the appeal amid ongoing deliberations on constitutional and legislative reforms aimed at creating state police as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to Afenifere, the primary objective of establishing state police would be undermined if the proposed security outfits remain subject to excessive federal control. The organisation argued that genuine decentralisation of policing requires states to have meaningful authority over their own law enforcement agencies within the framework of the law.
Afenifere urged lawmakers to incorporate clear constitutional safeguards that would protect the autonomy of state police while ensuring accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
The group maintained that independent state police could improve local intelligence gathering, enhance rapid responses to security threats, and strengthen collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies.
At the same time, Afenifere stressed the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and ensure that state police operate in accordance with constitutional principles and the rule of law.
The organisation’s position adds to the national debate over police decentralisation, with supporters arguing that state policing would improve security, while critics continue to express concerns about potential political interference and misuse by state governments.
As discussions on police reform continue, the National Assembly is expected to consider various proposals aimed at balancing operational independence, accountability, and effective coordination between federal and state security institutions.