Sokoto Backs State Police, Says It’s Key To Tackling Insecurity

The Sokoto State Government has thrown its weight behind the creation of state Police declaring it’s key to tackling insecurity in the country.

Speaking through the Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), the state government reiterated its support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a practical and effective solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

Speaking on the ongoing national debate over the creation of state police, Usman said the initiative would significantly strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats, and promote community-based policing across the country.

He, however, stressed the need for a carefully structured implementation process to ensure professionalism, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

According to him, rather than embarking on the recruitment of an entirely new police workforce, serving police officers should be redeployed to their states of origin, where they possess a better understanding of the local terrain, culture, language, and unique security challenges.

He noted that such an arrangement would strengthen grassroots policing and foster greater trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Usman further proposed that states facing manpower shortages should be allowed to recruit additional officers to bridge existing gaps and ensure a more equitable distribution of personnel across the federation.

To guarantee effective command and operational control, he suggested that state police formations should be headed by Commissioners of Police in their respective states, while the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and other top-ranking federal officers should be integrated into a newly created Homeland Security structure.

According to him, this framework would enable the Federal Government to focus on strategic national security responsibilities, including intelligence coordination, border protection, counter-terrorism operations, and other matters of national importance, while state police concentrate on local law enforcement and internal security.

He argued that the arrangement would reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve accountability, and ensure quicker responses to emerging security threats at the state level.

The retired military officer also commended the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu for its commitment to protecting lives and property in Sokoto State.

He said the state government had continued to invest heavily in security through the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment, and other logistical support for security agencies operating in the state.

Usman further highlighted the government’s collaboration with conventional security agencies, community leaders, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders in tackling banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and related crimes.

He said the interventions had contributed to improved security, enhanced intelligence sharing, and the restoration of peace in several communities previously affected by criminal activities.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to sustaining peace and security, Usman said Governor Aliyu’s administration would continue to support all lawful initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

He also called on Nigerians to support ongoing security reforms at all levels of government, stressing that collective responsibility, community participation, and institutional reforms remain critical to achieving lasting peace and security across the country.