Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has re-emphasised the importance of state policing, saying Nigeria must summon the political will to amend its Constitution to allow the establishment of state police forces and service commissions, as the current centralised policing system is increasingly inadequate for addressing the country’s diverse and evolving security threats.
He gave the charge at the distinguished lecture series themed “The Role of State Governments in Overcoming Insecurity in Nigeria,” organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos.
Governor Sani noted that insecurity is a reality that demands grounded, compassionate and strategic responses.
Director-General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, said that state governments, local councils and communities all have roles to play in addressing security challenges, adding that collaboration and harmony are key.
He noted that Kaduna State had experienced serious conflicts over the past two decades but commended the current administration for adopting a new approach that should serve as a model for others.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, also commended the governor for his commitment to good governance and for fostering peace in Kaduna State.
Meanwhile, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and the international community to combat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry threatening national stability.
The group made the call following the United States President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy American forces to eliminate Islamist terrorists and jihadists operating in parts of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Olubunmi Fasehun, the OPC reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and security, stressing that tackling insecurity requires both local and international cooperation.
The group urged the Federal Government to work with the U.S. and other developed nations to freeze the assets of terrorism financiers in Nigeria and abroad.
It also pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering through closer collaboration with the Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
According to the organisation, plans are underway to establish dedicated communication channels for timely sharing of intelligence on suspicious activities, as well as to educate communities on reporting criminal movements, especially in border and forest areas.
The OPC stated that its role is not to replace government or security forces but to complement them, adding that when civilians provide intelligence and cooperate with lawful authorities, crime prevention becomes more effective.
The group also urged the Federal Government to confront individuals and networks believed to be benefiting from terrorism and banditry, insisting that the safety of Nigerians must take precedence over politics.
