Insecurity: Dawn Commission Urges Immediate Legislative Support for State Police

The committee voiced concern regarding the growing size and occurrence of assaults carried out by terrorists, raiders, and other unlawful or...

The committee voiced concern regarding the growing size and occurrence of assaults carried out by terrorists, raiders, and other unlawful organizations.

The Western Nigeria Development Plan(DAWN) The Commission has urged the National Assembly to swiftly pass legislation that will allow for the creation of state police, cautioning that Nigeria is nearing a critical juncture as violent crimes continue to increase throughout all areas of the nation.

In a statement released on Wednesday by its Director-General, Seye Oyeleye, the commission mentioned that the extent and occurrence of attacks carried out by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal organizations have become increasingly worrying, causing communities to suffer and security forces to be overburdened.

As per the commission, recent operations in Benue, where communities were destroyed and people uprooted, along with the kidnapping of students in Kebbi, demonstrate the nation's increasing susceptibility.

The report noted that assaults on highways and living areas in large cities have further damaged public trust in the government's capacity to safeguard people and assets.

The panel also expressed worries about global responses to Nigeria's security conditions, highlighting that the Trump administration in the U.S. has warned of foreign involvement due to claims of Christian persecution.

The statement said, 'These external pressures, if realized, could worsen Nigeria's already delicate ethno-religious ties, lead to the displacement of millions, and cast a prolonged shadow on the nation's sovereignty and long-term stability.'

Mr. Oyeleye contended that the ongoing insecurity has led communities to adopt self-protection methods, contributing to the growth of uncontrolled vigilante groups and raising the likelihood of large-scale chaos. He stated that only a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's law enforcement system can prevent a more severe crisis.

Mr. Oyeleye added that state police would permit sub-national governments to adapt security plans according to their unique issues, whether in the North-west, Niger Delta, or South-west.

Community-based law enforcement facilitates the collection of intelligence grounded in local insights, allowing for quick and accurate reactions to dangers.

"State police will act as a force multiplier, enhancing the efforts of federal agencies instead of conflicting with them, thus establishing a multi-layered and robust security system. It will also demonstrate to the global community that Nigeria is committed to addressing its security issues directly and is ready to implement structural changes to protect its future," he stated.

Safeguards against abuse

The commission recognized worries that state police might be abused by governors, but stated that these anxieties can be resolved via well-defined constitutional protections, independent monitoring systems, and rigorous professional criteria for hiring and activities.

It emphasized that state police should support, rather than compete with, the current federal security system.

A warning that Nigeria's unity and sovereignty are in danger, DAWN referred to the creation of state police as a "moral necessity," arguing that each delay in reform increases distrust and endangers more lives.

The commission called on legislators and the Federal Government to accelerate the development of essential legal structures, stating that firm measures are needed to stop a deeper descent into chaos and to rebuild public trust in the nation's security system.

The discussion regarding state police saw increased national attention in the mid-2010s as insecurity escalated in various areas, particularly with an increase in kidnappings, banditry, and attacks in rural zones. Several governors claimed that the federal police system, established in the 1960s, was no longer capable of handling current security issues.

The public's response during that period was varied. Although numerous citizens and organizations in civil society endorsed the concept as a realistic approach to increasing instability, some worried that politicians could exploit state-run forces. Nevertheless, demands for localized law enforcement kept increasing as security issues worsened.

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