Governors and traditional rulers from the northern region have announced a unified commitment to support the establishment of state police, describing it as a crucial step toward tackling the growing wave of insecurity across the region. The decision followed a high-level security meeting involving members of the Northern Governors’ Forum, traditional institutions, security chiefs, and policy experts.
The leaders acknowledged that existing security structures are overstretched, leaving many communities vulnerable to banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence. They argued that a state-controlled policing system would enable faster response times, deeper local intelligence gathering, and tailored security measures suited to each state’s unique challenges.
According to insiders present at the meeting, several governors emphasized the urgent need to empower states with operational control of local security forces. Traditional rulers also threw their weight behind the proposal, noting that community-level policing had historically served as an effective tool for maintaining peace before modern policing systems centralized authority.
Participants urged the Federal Government to expedite constitutional amendments necessary for the implementation of state police. They further recommended strong regulatory frameworks to prevent political misuse, calling for professional standards, independent oversight, and clear lines of accountability.
Security experts believe the northern region’s endorsement marks a significant shift in national debates on policing reforms. Civil society groups have also welcomed the move, stressing that local participation in security management is essential to restoring stability in rural and urban areas affected by persistent violence.
Sources
Northern Governors’ Forum briefing
Statements from traditional councils
Regional security analysts
Media reports from northern correspondents
