Former JTF Commander, Dr. Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa, has said that the creation of state police in Nigeria may come with more questions than solutions.
Speaking with DAILY POST, the retired Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel noted that the state police bill has been dangling in Nigeria since the 1990s.
He added that the bill never passed due to many challenges, adding, however, that there are many advantages to its creation.
According to him, “What would happen to the Federal Police? Would every officer be returned to their states, or would they work together? There would be a clash of interests.”
He, however, said that a well-managed state police would play a significant role in crime detection.
“It (state police) would facilitate intelligence gathering because they are in the state. If something happens, it would be known easily, unlike the Federal Police, which has too much bureaucracy.”
He, however, pointed out that there are many challenges and lapses.
“If the states cannot pay salaries, there could be a problem.
“Also, if the officers are not properly checked, there would be problems, especially if politics plays a role.”
The retired NIS officer added that there are fears of increased corruption and impunity, adding that:
“Even a drug dealer who knows a politician can hold a position, opening ways to rising crime.”
Dr. Wudilawa said traditional leaders must be part of the system and avoid the politicisation of the whole process for the policy to protect lives and property.
He said, “Both the
