In recent days, insecurity has spread across Nigeria. Reports of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism flood the news. Innocent civilians continue to suffer from these violent outbreaks. In Plateau State, suspected herdsmen killed about 51 people in an attack on Zikke village. Other assaults in nearby communities require immediate attention to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, terrorists have also struck in Borno State, shaking its already fragile security. Ensuring national security has become an ongoing responsibility.
Why Centralised Policing No Longer Works for Nigeria
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) operates under a centralised system, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) overseeing the entire country. However, this model has become inefficient. It cannot handle the vast and diverse landscape of Nigeria effectively. No amount of reform will resolve the issue as long as the structure remains unchanged. Like a house built on quicksand, it will eventually collapse, no matter how strong the support. The current federal structure is unsustainable for policing the entire nation.
Nigeria needs decentralisation to better address local security concerns. A decentralised police force would allow regional authorities to take control of local law enforcement. Local communities would be able to implement more effective policing strategies based on their unique needs.
It’s troubling that over 20 percent of Nigeria’s police officers serve private individuals, politicians, and business magnates, often in exchange for money. Police officers frequently escort pastors, imams, union leaders, and other influential figures. In Nigeria, police presence has become a symbol of status rather than security. I saw a video where a Muslim preacher in Ibadan bragged about his police escorts arranged by a powerful politician in Abuja. This system prioritises profits over public safety. When law enforcement becomes a tool for political or personal gain, it undermines the quality of policing.
Many countries operate decentralized policing systems with varying degrees of success. In the United States, federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals handle specific, high-level crimes, while state and local police focus on community-level law enforcement. Canada uses a similar approach, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) enforcing federal law and provinces maintaining their own forces. Australia also divides its police responsibilities, with each of its six states managing their own police forces, supported by the Australian Federal Police.
The United Kingdom’s decentralized system promotes local accountability. England and Wales have 43 independent territorial police forces, and Scotland and Northern Ireland maintain their own police forces as well. This structure allows law enforcement to be more responsive to local needs, enhancing both efficiency and community trust.
Brazil, Mexico, and India also have multi-tiered policing systems. In Mexico, national agencies like the Federal Police and National Guard handle larger threats, while local police focus on day-to-day law enforcement. India follows a similar model, with local forces in cities like Delhi and Mumbai and the Indian Police Service providing national guidance. Brazil’s system involves federal, state, and local forces, each with distinct roles. Japan, on the other hand, relies on localised stations, overseen by a national body, to ensure law enforcement reflects community priorities.
The Path Forward: Decentralisation for Effective Policing
Decentralisation of Nigeria’s police force has gained significant support across all levels of society. Now is the time for action. To make this change, Nigeria needs constitutional amendments, as the current law only recognises a centralised police force inherited from the colonial era. Achieving decentralisation will require administrative expertise, commitment, and the support of key institutions. The federal government, national assembly, state and local governments, civil society groups, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the military must collaborate to address risks. With collective effort, decentralisation can bring about a more effective and accountable police force without compromising national unity or security.
In conclusion, decentralisation offers a clear path toward better law enforcement in Nigeria. By empowering local authorities to manage their own police forces, the country can address security concerns more efficiently. It’s time for change, and Nigeria must act now to implement a policing system that serves all citizens equally.
