Nigeria is currently debating the establishment of a dual policing system to replace the existing over-centralised security architecture. The move comes as the National Assembly and state governors evaluate constitutional changes to allow for the creation of state police forces to supplement the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The push for this transition stems from the perceived inability of the NPF to manage the local nature of contemporary security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. Proponents of the system argue that a centralised command structure in Abuja is ill-equipped to respond rapidly to intelligence and crises in remote rural areas.
Legislative discussions on the matter focus on amending the 1999 Constitution, which currently vests the power to police the country solely in the federal government. The proposed dual system would see a federal police force maintaining national security and interstate crimes, while state-run forces handle local law enforcement and community policing.
Challenges of the centralised security model
The Nigeria Police Force has struggled with manpower shortages and logistical gaps, often leaving vast swathes of the country under-policed. This gap has been exploited by non-state armed groups, leading to a decline in the security of lives and property across several geopolitical zones.
Critics of the current model argue that the centralised system creates a disconnect between police officers and the communities they serve, as officers are often posted to states where they do not speak the local language or understand the cultural nuances. This lack of local integration hinders intelligence gathering and trust between citizens and security agents, as noted in a recent analysis of security rethinking in a federal Nigeria.
However, the proposal for state police has faced opposition from those who fear that state governors could weaponise local police forces to intimidate political opponents. There are concerns that without strict federal oversight and independent funding, state police could become tools for political repression rather than agents of public safety.
To mitigate these risks, proposed frameworks include the establishment of independent police service commissions at the state level and strict guidelines on recruitment and deployment to prevent partisan influence.
For the dual policing system to become law, the National Assembly must pass the necessary constitutional amendments by a two-thirds majority, followed by the approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 state houses of assembly.
The outcome of these legislative efforts will determine whether Nigeria shifts toward a decentralised security model or maintains the current federal structure under revamped operational guidelines.
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