Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has declared that the creation of state police has become imperative, describing it as “a must” for addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend at his Camp Neya country home in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Kalu disclosed that the Senate had already amended the relevant constitutional provisions relating to policing.

According to him, the amendment provides for the replacement of the existing Nigeria Police with separate Federal Police and State Police structures.

He explained that the next step would be the enactment of an enabling law to establish the operational framework for both security institutions.

“The enabling law will clearly spell out their responsibilities, powers and operational guidelines, including the dos and don’ts, to ensure there is no conflict between the Federal Police and State Police or between the President and state governors,” he said.

The former Abia State governor expressed confidence that both policing structures would work effectively to tackle insecurity across the country.

Recalling his tenure as governor, Kalu said his administration established the Bakassi security outfit—popularly referred to as the “Bakassi Police”—to combat rising insecurity in the state.

According to him, the outfit worked alongside the Nigeria Police Force and played a significant role in restoring peace and security in Abia State.

Kalu also urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to curb the rising wave of criminality across the country.

He lamented that although many criminal groups had been dislodged from their strongholds, they had resorted to hit-and-run attacks, posing fresh security challenges.

Responding to a question on the secret behind his repeated electoral victories, the second-term senator attributed his success to honesty, frankness and fairness.

“My honesty, frankness and objectivity on issues have kept me going. I am also a man with a good heart,” he said.