SECURITY & PUBLIC SERVICE
GOV ALIA BACKS STATE POLICE, SAYS FEDERAL POLICE IS OVERSTRETCHED
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has backed the establishment of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s federal police force is overstretched and unable to effectively address the country’s growing security challenges.
Speaking on the proposed state policing system during an interview on ARISE News, Alia said local police forces would be better positioned to tackle insecurity because they understand the terrain and can respond more quickly to threats.
“There is so much work to be done, and the military does not fully understand certain terrains,” the governor said.
According to him, giving states the authority to establish and direct their own police services would significantly improve security operations across the country.
“If we have our state police with the power to command and direct, it will be more beneficial,” Alia stated.
The governor maintained that state policing would complement the existing federal security architecture and strengthen efforts to protect lives and property, particularly in states facing persistent security threats.
His remarks add to the growing calls by political leaders and stakeholders for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system as part of wider constitutional and security reforms.