A former Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Lawrence Alobi, has warned that the proposed creation of state police in Nigeria could undermine professionalism if politicians are allowed to control the force.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Alobi said while the idea of state police is gaining momentum amid rising insecurity, safeguards must be put in place to prevent political manipulation.
His comments come as Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the constitution to allow the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country.
Alobi said the biggest risk to state policing would be political interference by state governors and other politicians.
“State police has its pros and cons and it has its challenges. But if we plan well, and if our politicians are given political education, there will be no problem. The problem is when politicians are so concerned with power and money and how to grab power.”
He warned that political influence over police postings has already weakened professionalism within the force.
“For instance now, a governor wants to decide who should be posted to the state as commissioner of police. That is not supposed to be so. The Inspector-General should know which commissioner of police has the capacity and ability to police a state.”
According to him, the increasing attempt by politicians to influence police operations has undermined discipline and professionalism.
“The unnecessary control of the police by politicians is what has already affected professionalism in the police force.”
Alobi said the constitutional amendments being considered must clearly define the powers of federal and state police to avoid conflicts.
“The constitution should clearly spell out the powers of the federal police and the powers of the state police. There should be clarity on which cases will be handled by the federal police and which will be handled by the state police.”
He also proposed that federal police commands should continue to operate through geopolitical zones to maintain oversight and coordination.
“For instance, each geopolitical zone can still have a Deputy Inspector-General overseeing the states within the zone and reporting to the Inspector-General.”
According to him, this structure would ensure accountability and effective supervision across the country.
The former police commissioner stressed that funding would determine whether state policing succeeds.
“One important challenge we might face with state police is funding. Many states cannot even pay their workers.”
He recommended that the federal government establish a national police trust fund to support policing across the country.
“Mr. President should establish an additional police trust fund that will house funds meant for policing in the country, managed by men and women of integrity.”
Without such funding mechanisms, he warned, state police could become dependent on governors.
“If you leave funding entirely in the hands of the governors, commissioners of police will be going cap in hand to beg for money.”
Alobi also expressed confidence in the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, describing him as a capable officer suited to lead the force at a difficult time.
“Let me appreciate Mr President for finding Tunji Disu worthy of this appointment. He is an officer with capacity in operations, administration and investigation.”
He said the new police chief’s immediate priority should be strengthening the operational and investigative capacity of the force.
“His first assignment should be building the capacity of officers and men of the force in terms of operations, investigations and their humanitarian relationship with members of the public.”
Alobi emphasised that policing in modern Nigeria must move away from the authoritarian approach associated with colonial and military eras.
“Policing in the 21st century is not based on the use of force or brutality like during the colonial and military periods. We are now in a democracy.”
He said the police must adopt democratic and community policing principles to build public trust.
“When democratic policing and community policing are integrated as a framework, the Nigerian police will earn the respect it deserves as the lead security agency.”
While calling for better funding and reforms, Alobi said citizens must also support law enforcement agencies.
“Nigerians emphasise their rights but forget that rights come with obligations. The constitution says every citizen has a duty to assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.”
He said the public must cooperate with police by providing information that can help tackle crime and insecurity.
“Citizens are the prime beneficiaries of a safe and secure environment, so they must assist the police.”
Alobi also defended the practice where senior officers retire when a junior officer is appointed Inspector-General.
He argued that discipline and hierarchy are core values within the police.
“Every organisation has its rules and values. In the police, discipline is central. Loyalty must be one hundred per cent.”
According to him, allowing officers who were previously senior to the Inspector-General to remain in service could undermine command authority.
“If those who were once senior to him remain there, that sense of hierarchy may affect loyalty and discipline in the force.”
Alobi concluded that improving security in Nigeria requires a collective effort from government, the police and citizens.
“Government must support the police with funding and equipment. Citizens must cooperate with the police, and the police must make themselves worthy of the trust of the people.”
He added that policing should be rooted in service and respect for the public.
“Policing is not meant to brutalise the people. Officers must remember that they are there to serve and protect with the fear of God and human conscience.”
Boluwatife Enome
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