Nigeria Ripe for Decentralised Policing, Says Senator Agadaga, Backs State and Regional Security Structure

Nigeria Ripe for Decentralised Policing, Says Senator Agadaga, Backs State and Regional Security Structure

The lawmaker representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Benson Sunday Agadaga, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police in Nigeria, describing the move as long overdue and necessary to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.

Speaking during an interview on the ongoing debate about decentralising policing, the senator said the current security situation clearly shows that Nigeria is ready for a state police system.

According to him, the demand for state policing stems from the need for security personnel who understand the local terrain, culture, and dynamics of the communities they serve.

“State police is long overdue in Nigeria. The agitation of the people is that we should have police officers who understand the environment and can concentrate on the security of the states where they belong,” he said.

Agadaga explained that locally recruited security personnel would be better positioned to respond to crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities because of their familiarity with the environment.

He cited the complex terrain of the Niger Delta as an example, noting that outsiders often struggle to navigate the region’s intricate network of creeks and waterways.

“If you have your indigenous people handling the security of their communities, they know the environment very well. For instance, someone who is not familiar with the winding creeks in the Niger Delta cannot effectively navigate them,” he said.

Addressing Concerns Over Political Abuse

Responding to concerns that governors might misuse state police to intimidate political opponents or influence elections, the senator acknowledged the possibility but argued that such risks also exist under the current centralised policing structure.

He noted that the federal government could equally manipulate a centrally controlled police force for political advantage.

“If you say police should be owned by the federal government, the federal government can also use it to its advantage. Governors could also attempt to do that,” he said.

Agadaga suggested that Nigeria could adopt a hybrid structure where both federal and state police operate under clearly defined constitutional guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse.

“We can have a Federal National Police and also have state police, with provisions that ensure proper supervision and accountability,” he added.

Despite potential drawbacks, the senator insisted that the benefits of decentralised policing outweigh the risks.

“We need security first. People must be alive before anyone can even talk about elections or political advantage,” he said.

Regional Police Still a Better Option

While backing the idea of state police, Agadaga revealed that he personally favours a regional policing structure similar to what existed in Nigeria before the 1966 military intervention.

According to him, a regional security framework could reduce the risk of governors personalising security forces while encouraging collaboration among states within the same geopolitical zone.

“Personally, my initial intention was to push for regional police. Up till today, I believe it is a better option than state police,” he said.

He explained that many criminal activities cut across state borders, making regional coordination more effective.

“When someone is kidnapped in Bayelsa, the next moment they may be in Delta, Edo or Cross River. That shows the need for a coordinated regional security system,” he said.

However, the senator noted that funding arrangements could pose a challenge in implementing regional policing, as states may disagree over financial contributions.

Bayelsa’s Security Situation

Agadaga also commended the administration in Bayelsa State for maintaining relative peace and stability, attributing the improvement to strong collaboration among security agencies.

He said the police, navy and army have been working closely together through regular security meetings, surveillance operations and community engagement.

“The police, navy and army are working cooperatively, and there are regular security meetings and surveillance activities,” he said.

According to him, proactive security measures have helped security agencies apprehend criminal elements, thereby discouraging further crimes.

Lawmakers’ Role in Governance

Speaking on the role of legislators, the senator stressed that lawmakers remain central to governance even though they are not part of the executive arm of government.

“We are lawmakers; we are not in the executive, but we continue to support initiatives and policies that will improve the lives of Nigerians,” he said.