Five state governments have expressed readiness to convert their existing security outfits into state police once the constitutional process for establishing the new policing system is completed.
Newsonspot reports that the move comes after the House of Representatives passed the Executive Bill seeking the creation of state police, marking a major step towards decentralising Nigeria’s policing structure. The bill was approved during plenary after lawmakers withdrew an earlier constitutional amendment proposal in favour of the Executive Bill.
According to findings, Ondo, Kaduna, Anambra, Zamfara and Abia states plan to build their proposed state police on already existing security agencies. Meanwhile, several other states are waiting for the constitutional process to be concluded, while some intend to establish entirely new state police organisations.
The states supporting the transition argued that their existing security outfits already have operational structures, trained personnel, community trust and years of experience working alongside conventional security agencies. They believe these advantages would ensure a smoother, faster and more cost-effective transition than creating new institutions from scratch.
Officials also noted that these security agencies possess valuable local knowledge and established intelligence networks, which would strengthen the effectiveness of state policing from the outset.
In Ondo State, the government is considering transforming the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, into the proposed state police.
Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, said Amotekun officers are well qualified for recruitment into the state police because of their experience, understanding of the local terrain and strong community relationships.
He stated that Ondo already has the personnel, institutional framework and operational structure needed to successfully implement state policing.
Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the existing Amotekun structure as a solid foundation for implementing the proposed state police system.
