A former chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji, says creating state police will strengthen federalism and improve Nigeria’s security architecture.

Mr Magaji, a lawyer and human rights activist, stated this in Abuja while sharing his views on the proposed establishment of state police.

He said his decade-long experience in sub-national law enforcement had convinced him that state police would enhance the country’s federal structure and reduce undue interference in state security matters.

According to him, the current centralised policing system often limits states’ ability to effectively enforce their laws, citing instances in which investigations and law enforcement activities were allegedly disrupted by directives from the federal level.

He also referred to recent security developments surrounding the Kano Emirate, arguing that state police would give sub-national governments greater operational independence within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

“I have been advocating for state police for a long time because it is a positive step towards true federalism,” he said.

Mr Magaji said the proposed reform would provide an opportunity to modernise policing through improved training, innovation and community-oriented strategies.

He described the existing policing model as outdated, adding that state police could make law enforcement more responsive, professional and accountable to local communities.

“The benefit is enormous because it gives us the opportunity to reform the policing system, introduce modern techniques and make policing more civil and people-centred,” he said.

On possible challenges, Mr Magaji acknowledged concerns that governors might misuse state police for political purposes, saying the major issue would be the political will of state governments.

He, however, maintained that patriotic leadership, institutional reforms and effective oversight mechanisms could minimise such risks and ensure the system served the public interest.

According to him, abuse of security agencies is not peculiar to a decentralised policing structure, noting that similar allegations already exist under the present federal police system.

Drawing from his experience as head of the anti-corruption commission, Mr Magaji recalled that he was arrested in Kano and taken to Abuja while carrying out official duties, arguing that misuse of law enforcement powers can occur under any policing arrangement.

He stressed that the solution was to establish effective safeguards, judicial oversight, and institutional checks to prevent abuse, rather than to reject the idea of state police.

On whether state police alone could solve insecurity, Mr Magaji said it should not be seen as a complete solution but as an important step towards improving security across the country.

He urged political leaders to set aside partisan interests and focus on building strong institutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“It may not be the complete solution, but it is certainly a step in the right direction towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” he said.

(NAN)