The lawmaker representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Senator Benson Sunday Agadaga, has expressed strong support for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, describing it as long overdue and necessary to address the country’s worsening security challenges.
Speaking during an interview on the growing debate around decentralising policing, the senator said the current security situation shows clearly that Nigeria is ready for state policing.
According to him, the agitation for state police is driven by the need for security operatives who understand the local environment and can effectively respond to threats within their communities.
“State police is long overdue in Nigeria. The agitation of the people is that we should have police officers who understand the environment and can concentrate on the security of the states where they belong,” he said.
The senator explained that local security personnel would have better knowledge of the terrain, culture, and security dynamics of their areas, making them more effective in tackling crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities.
He cited the example of difficult terrains such as the creeks of the Niger Delta, noting that outsiders may struggle to understand the complex waterways and terrain.
“If you have your indigenous people handling the security of their communities, they know the environment very well. For instance, someone who is not familiar with the winding creeks in the Niger Delta cannot effectively navigate them,” he said.
Responding to concerns that governors might use state police to manipulate elections or intimidate political opponents, Akadaga acknowledged the risk but argued that such abuse is not limited to state-controlled security.
He noted that even federal authorities could misuse centrally controlled police forces for political advantage.
“If you say police should be owned by the federal government, the federal government can also use it to its advantage.
Governors could also attempt to do that,” he said.
He suggested that Nigeria could adopt a hybrid structure where both federal and state police operate under clear constitutional guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse.
“We can have a Federal National Police and also have state police, with provisions that ensure proper supervision and accountability,” he added.
Despite potential drawbacks, the lawmaker insisted that the benefits of decentralised policing outweigh the risks.
“We need security first. People must be alive before anyone can even talk about elections or political advantage,” he said.
Regional Police Still a Better Option
While supporting state policing, the senator revealed that he personally favours a regional police system, similar to what existed in Nigeria before 1966.
He said regional policing could reduce the risk of governors personalising security forces and encourage collaboration among states within the same geopolitical zone.
“Personally, my initial intention was to push for regional police. Up till today, I believe it is a better option than state police,” he said.
According to him, criminal activities often cut across state boundaries, making regional coordination more effective.
“When someone is kidnapped in Bayelsa, the next moment they may be in Delta, Edo or Cross River. That shows the need for a coordinated regional security system,” he explained.
However, he acknowledged that funding arrangements could become a challenge in implementing regional policing, as states may disagree over financial contributions.
Bayelsa’s Security Situation
The senator also commended the current administration in Bayelsa State for maintaining relative peace and stability.
He attributed the improved security situation to collaboration among security agencies, regular security meetings, surveillance operations, and community engagement.
“The police, navy and army are working cooperatively, and there are regular security meetings and surveillance activities,” he said.
He added that proactive security measures have helped authorities apprehend criminal elements, discouraging further crimes.
Lawmakers’ Role in Governance
On the achievements of lawmakers, Agadaga emphasised that legislators play a crucial role in governance despite not being part of the executive arm.
“We are lawmakers; we are not in the executive, but we continue to support initiatives and policies that will improve the lives of Nigerians,” he said.