The 75-page framework containing working proposals recently submitted by the committee set up by the Inspector General of Police on the establishment of state police is a step in the right direction on the critical security issue. If anything, it has added traction to the advocacy for state police. The committee was mandated to work out modalities for the smooth takeoff of the state police. In view of the escalating insecurity in the land, the report should not be allowed to gather dust but should be subjected to further interrogation to make state police a reality.

Segments of Nigerians have for years advocated for the decentralisation of what is presently a centrally run police system, to empower states to set up, appoint, post, fund and run their policing system, on the premise that security is usually localised. The current policing arrangement is skewed against states and local governments where crimes occur. The governor, who is labelled the chief security officer of the state, does not account for the police force posted to the state. Police commissioners report to the IGP, who is stationed in Abuja. The IGP reports to the President. Governors are not factored into that arrangement. They only hold some periodic security meetings with state commissioners of police, whose priorities are with the IGP.

Over time, the police have been deployed to serve interests different from the daily security needs of the people. An upsurge in insecurity has exposed the limitations of the present arrangement, leading to strident calls for state police. Indeed, political parties had promised to create state police in their campaigns and manifestos. But that has not happened.

Equally, President Tinubu has repeatedly stated his commitment to creating state police to tackle insecurity in the country. He said the task of decentralising the police is urgent and unavoidable. Nigerians agree with him and are holding him to his promise.

As the Prof. Olu Ogunsaki-led committee on state police concluded its preliminary work and submitted a framework to the Senate for consideration in their constitutional review process, it is important to sustain the speed already attained. The goal is to decentralise the police force soon.

As part of its recommendations, the committee suggested a model of three per cent of federal revenue from the Federation Account and another 15 per cent of state security budgets to fund state police. In addition, a dedicated State Police Fund will be created to ensure stability and reduce inequities between wealthy states and others that are not well-endowed.

In terms of operational structure, the panel recommended that 60 per cent of the current federal police force personnel, particularly those below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, be transferred to state commands to ensure local knowledge and faster response time.

The panel equally recommended an independent, strict oversight mechanism to prevent abuse of power. It recommended mandatory body-worn cameras and the creation of a National Police Standards Board. This is the stage to go beyond theories and get started. State police is now a necessity if the country must rise above rampant insecurity across the states. There will always be some reservations about state police, particularly regarding its tendency to be abused, and given the intransigent attitude of some governors. Rather than allow that divergent view to stall state police, stakeholders should provide strict rules of operation to check excesses.

On February 23, during his meeting with governors, President Tinubu said he was determined to create state police. During the occasion of the inter-faith breaking of fast, with members of the House of Representatives on February 28, President Tinubu reiterated the need for state police. The Senate also pledged to fast-track amending the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the establishment of state police within weeks. Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, made a promise on behalf of the NASS, stating that unanimity has been achieved on the subject.

Nigerians will hold the President to his promise. He should ensure that efforts are geared towards delivering state police in no distant time. The legislators should also do the needful. No one should expect a smooth sail into a functional state police. Initial hiccups are inevitable, as is common with new ideas. Funding might present an initial challenge. States should prioritise their expenditures to accommodate state police rather than throw resources around on frivolities or even infrastructure that will eventually fall under the weight of insecurity.

State police must be accountable. Notwithstanding the recommendations of the IGP committee, deliberate measures are required towards a clear departure from the indiscipline and excesses of the current system. Police should be stationed where they are needed. The era of attaching state-funded police detachments to individuals, particularly the political class, should stop.

State Police should be technology-driven to make them compatible with global best practices. To promote accountability, the proposed National Police Standards Board must be made up of Nigerians of integrity, not necessarily those who have worked with the present police system. There should be room for distinguished career civil servants, particularly those who have served at ambassadorial levels, to bring on board their experiences across different police jurisdictions.

To guarantee adequate funding, police trust funds should be set up in states where corporate organisations, individuals and businesses are involved in raising capital for policing. Let the system not be burdened with bureaucracies. Smart policing entails gathering intelligence and working with neighbourhood vigilantes and community leaders. Emphasis should be on prevention as well as detection.

Surmounting the initial shortcomings and hiccups should be a deliberate assignment. A multilayered security solution is imperative, as it is in most federal systems globally.

The United States, Australia, Germany, India, Canada, Brazil, and others are examples of countries where subnational and provincial governments operate police systems separate from those of the federal government. Nigeria cannot perpetually be the exception without serious consequences.