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Makinde Tells FG to Stop Delaying State Police Amid Rising Insecurity

Written by

Promise Odejide

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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the Federal Government to stop delaying the establishment of state police, insisting that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity requires urgent decentralisation of policing powers.

Makinde made the remarks on Thursday in Ibadan during a political gathering, amid growing concerns over recent kidnappings and attacks in parts of Oyo State and other regions of the country.

Makinde Pushes For State Police

Speaking during the event, the governor described the South-West security outfit, Amotekun, as only a temporary solution created because the Federal Government failed to approve state police.

According to him, governors and state assemblies should be allowed to establish and control security structures capable of responding quickly to local threats.

“FG should stop wasting our time and stop asking the IG of Police to establish State Police,” Makinde said.

He argued that insecurity challenges affecting communities across Nigeria require localised policing systems rather than complete dependence on federal security agencies.

Reference To Amotekun And South-West Security

Makinde also referenced the creation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, which was launched by South-West governors in 2020 to tackle rising kidnappings, banditry and violent crimes.

He noted that Amotekun was introduced because of frustrations over insecurity and delays surrounding the state police debate.

The governor further stated that Lagos State, under then-Governor Bola Tinubu, did not initially join the regional security arrangement.

Insecurity Concerns Continue

The governor’s comments come days after renewed outrage over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area earlier in May.

The incident sparked national conversations about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security structure and renewed calls for decentralised policing.

Makinde has repeatedly maintained that security remains one of the major priorities of his administration, while urging stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities.

Debate Over State Police Intensifies

Nigeria has for years debated the creation of state police as insecurity continues to spread across different regions of the country.

Supporters argue that governors and local authorities better understand security challenges within their communities and can respond faster than centrally controlled federal forces.

However, critics have warned that state police could be abused by governors for political purposes or used to intimidate opposition figures.

Despite those concerns, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has previously expressed support for state police reforms, although constitutional amendments and implementation details remain unresolved.

Public Reactions Grow

Makinde’s latest comments have generated mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians supporting his position amid rising insecurity nationwide.

Others, however, questioned whether state governors can be trusted with full control of police structures without adequate safeguards and oversight mechanisms.

The growing debate highlights ongoing tensions around Nigeria’s federal structure, security governance and demands for greater autonomy by state governments.

As insecurity continues to dominate public discourse, pressure is increasing on the Federal Government and lawmakers to decide whether Nigeria should fully embrace decentralised policing.

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