IMPI Urges National Assembly to Fast-track State Police Law
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IMPI Urges National Assembly to Fast-track State Police Law
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative, IMPI, has called on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to expedite the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
The policy think tank expressed concern over what it described as delays in implementing a decentralised policing structure, arguing that the move had become imperative in addressing the country’s growing security challenges.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the group maintained that the police should serve as the foundation of Nigeria’s internal security framework and stressed the need for state police to complement existing security arrangements.
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According to IMPI, officers recruited from local communities would be more effective in policing because of their familiarity with the culture, language and terrain of their areas of operation.
“We posit, in this regard, that the police force should be the foundation of the country’s internal security architecture. In consideration of this, we acknowledge efforts that are being made to establish the State Police as part of the nation’s security apparatus,” the statement read.
“Our argument is hinged on the fact that police officers must be recruited from and deployed to the local environment they are familiar with.
“The would-be police officers are better placed because of their knowledge of the culture and familiarity with their environment. We, therefore, call on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to ensure the passage of the law creating State Police without delay.”
The group also urged state governments to deepen community participation in security management by engaging residents, traditional institutions and other stakeholders in efforts to safeguard lives and property.
It noted that community mobilisation remained a critical tool for addressing security challenges, as it encourages citizens to take ownership of issues affecting their communities.
According to IMPI, community mobilisation involves bringing together key stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society groups and government agencies, to work towards common goals and sustainable solutions.
The think tank added that such collaboration would promote good governance, accountability and inclusive participation while strengthening peace and security at the grassroots level.
It further stressed that governments at all levels should prioritise initiatives that encourage community involvement in security matters, describing security as a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all citizens.
