Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has cautioned Federal Government and National Assembly against rushing constitutional amendment to establish state police, demanding broader national consultation before rollout.
In statement Sunday by Secretary-General Nafiu Ahmad, council said Nigeria’s worsening insecurity needs urgent action but state police should not be presented as quick fix.
Council said security failure stems from inadequate funding, corruption, poor welfare, insufficient personnel, weak intelligence, obsolete equipment and poor coordination, arguing immediate priority should be comprehensive reform and strengthening of existing institutions, not merely transferring policing powers to states.
It expressed concern over haste with which amendments are pursued, saying changes to security architecture require extensive nationwide consultations, transparent public hearings and broad consensus, noting many Nigerians feel National Assembly process has not met openness and inclusiveness standards.
Council warned without adequate safeguards, state police could become instruments of political intimidation and discrimination, given Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and political diversity.
It called for independent oversight institutions, transparent merit-based recruitment, professional training, effective complaints mechanisms, judicial and legislative oversight, sustainable funding and constitutional guarantees against abuse before introduction.
Council urged President Tinubu, NASS leadership, state governments and stakeholders to conclude consultations and address concerns before amendment, while praying for wisdom to preserve unity and restore peace.
Debate intensifies as proponents say decentralised policing will help states tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping faster, while critics fear abuse by governors to suppress dissent and rig elections.
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