State Police: 16 states make recommendations

Sixteen states in the federation have so far put forward their proposals and recommendations on the proposed establishment of state police.

The 16 states presented their submissions at the 140th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Western Post reports that despite all states across the country expressing their support for the establishment of state police, 20 states are yet to send in reports.

The 16 states that made presentations at the NEC meeting were said to be in support of the creation of state police.

A press statement from the Office of the Vice President indicates that states “recommended changes in the Constitution and the current policing structure to enable the operationalization of the initiative.”

While noting the presentation, Vice President Kashim Shettima, “observed that the rate of submissions by states were not impressive and urged states yet to make inputs to expedite action to enable robust deliberations on the subject-matter at the next Council meeting,” the statement read.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu discussed the possibility of establishing state police with state governors at a meeting in Abuja early this year.

Western Post has also reported the ongoing constitutional amendment at the House of Representatives to pave way for the proposal.

Nigeria has in recent times faced increased security challenges across the length and breadth of the country, prompting calls for a decentralisation in the nation’s security system.