Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG),
Wilson Inalegwu, has warned that Nigeria's proposed state police system could
fail if political loyalists, vigilante members or thugs are recruited into the
new security outfit.
Speaking on Channels Television's The Morning Brief
on Monday, June 29, the former Commissioner of Police in Kogi State stressed
that the effectiveness of state police would depend on a transparent
recruitment process that prioritises professionalism, competence and political
neutrality.
According to Inalegwu, the idea of state police has
the potential to strengthen security by increasing manpower and improving
community policing. However, he cautioned that allowing politically affiliated
individuals or members of vigilante groups into the force would compromise its
integrity and turn it into an instrument of political influence rather than
public safety.
"We are praying that they will not use members of
vigilante, members of thugs, supporters of political parties or individuals to
form the new class of this police force," he said.
The retired police chief also pointed to Nigeria's
historical experience with the Native Authority Police, noting that similar
concerns had been raised decades ago over political interference in law
enforcement.
He recalled that many officers in the Native Authority
Police were recruited from political party supporters and thugs, a development
that generated fears among minority groups as far back as 1958.
Inalegwu called for a merit-based recruitment process
backed by strict professional standards and effective oversight to ensure any
future state police force remains accountable and operates within the law.
He also defended the Nigeria Police Force, arguing
that its shortcomings are largely the result of inadequate funding,
insufficient manpower and poor logistical support rather than a lack of
competence.
According to him, the police possess the expertise
required to perform their constitutional duties but have struggled due to years
of underinvestment in personnel, equipment and operational resources.
He maintained that improving officers' welfare,
strengthening infrastructure and providing adequate logistics would
significantly enhance the force's effectiveness while restoring public
confidence in policing.
The retired AIG further expressed concern over the
country's weak institutions, warning that unless governance structures are
strengthened, state police could easily become tools in the hands of desperate
politicians.
"Our institutions are very weak and are not
strong enough to withstand the torment of desperate politicians," he said,
adding that strong institutions are essential to prevent abuse of
state-controlled security agencies.
Emphasising the importance of policing to national
development, Inalegwu described the police as the cornerstone of internal
security, crime prevention and public order, insisting that Nigeria's growth
depends on building an efficient and well-supported police system.
His comments come shortly after the Senate defended
the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (State
Police) Bill, 2026.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposed
legislation as a necessary response to the country's worsening security
situation rather than a politically motivated initiative.
According to Bamidele, the push for state police is
the result of years of national consultations and enjoys widespread public
support. He expressed confidence that, if eventually implemented, the new
policing structure would significantly improve security across Nigeria.
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