A political scientist and researcher in International Relations, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, said the prevailing security challenges across the country required collective action and the adoption of measures that would strengthen security operations at the state level.

He said following the consideration of the proposal by the relevant committee of the National Assembly, alongside the Federal Government’s position on state policing, state lawmakers should support its passage and implementation.

He therefore, urged state assemblies to expedite action on the proposed state police legislation when it is transmitted to them for consideration.

According to him, the establishment of state police would enhance collaboration between state-level security operatives and the Nigeria Police Force, improve intelligence gathering and enable faster responses to security threats.

He expressed optimism that the initiative, if properly implemented, would help curb kidnapping, the abduction of schoolchildren and other criminal activities across the country.

Similarly, a school proprietor, Mrs Elizabeth Woke, said the move had become necessary as school administrators, teachers, parents and pupils increasingly operated in fear amid rising insecurity, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren.

Woke said the recurring incidents of school kidnappings had heightened anxiety among parents and threatened the safe learning environment schools were expected to provide.

She urged the government at all levels to prioritise the protection of schools and strengthen security around educational institutions to restore public confidence.