The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) and the National Conscience Party (NCP) have called for caution and deeper reflection in the ongoing national debate on the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

The groups, in a statement cosigned by Babatunde Agunbiade, Adeoye Ade Adewunmi and Vincent Odumemjenba, noted that Nigeria must resist the temptation of quick fixes that may carry long-term consequences. Security reform must be carefully designed, democratically grounded, and socially responsive.

According to them, while Nigeria is confronted with a grave security crisis from banditry and kidnapping to communal violence and mass killings, the urgency for reform is evident.

The question is not merely whether reform is necessary, but whether the proposed solution is sustainable, just, and consistent with democratic principles.

“History offers a sobering lesson. The abuse of regional policing structures in the past contributed to political repression and instability, culminating in the 1966 Nigerian coup.

“This experience underscores the need for caution in adopting any decentralised policing framework without robust constitutional safeguards.

“The concern is that state police, if introduced without adequate checks, may create multiple centres of coercive power vulnerable to political control. In a context where institutions remain fragile, this raises legitimate fears about potential misuse against political opponents, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens,” they stated.

Rather than a hurried adoption of state police, GAFAMORG and NCP advocate a more measured and constitutionally grounded alternative: the full implementation of community policing within a clearly defined legal and institutional framework.

The groups added: “Such a model prioritises democratic participation, transparency, and accountability. It ensures that policing is not only closer to the people but also subject to civilian oversight, including the involvement of community stakeholders, youth organisations, trade unions, and professional bodies.”