State Police: The Best Option For Addressing Plateau State Recrudescence Insecurity Challenge
BY
Mr. Solomon Nandy Chendan
Forensic Security Expert | CEO, Scottbrian Global Security Services (SGSS) & ADC Gubernatorial Candidate, Plateau State 2023_
Preamble:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s push for STATE POLICE has transmogrified from a mere campaign promise to a concrete legislative action now awaiting state Assemblies congruence to translate it to reality in 2026. This is no doubt commendable and as a forensic security expert and a worthy son of Plateau state, I strongly support this bold move. This is against the backdrop of the indispensable and practical role that State Police is expected to play in stemming the tides of banditry, violence and farmer-herder conundrum ravaging our state.
1. WHERE THINGS STAND – JUNE 2026
President Tinubu GCFR has transmitted the _Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026_to the National Assembly.
KEY PROVISIONS:
Some Key areas of amendment have focused on sections 214, 17(7), 197(1), 14 of the 1999 Constitution. Inter alia, the current move seeks to achieve the following:
1. DUAL POLICING SYSTEM: The Police will henceforth be decentralised wherein the Nigeria federal Police Force shall remain to enforce law and order made by the National Assembly and carry out federal related security duties including terrorism prevention and tackling inter state insecurity. The States Police on the other hand are at liberty to exist via State Assembly laws to maintain law and order, address communal security gaps, carry out local intelligence services and servecas a first line of defense to the communities.
2. APPOINTMENTS: State Commissioners of Police who hitherto were appointed by the Federal Government are now going to be nominated and if cleared by the State Assembly be appointed by Governors on recommendation of the State Police Council.
3. SAFEGUARDS: Removal of Commissioners of Police and the use of the Police for ethnic targeting, political weaponization and fragmentation requires due process. This means that Governors are barred from using state police for partisan, ethnic, or personal purposes.
4. FEDERAL INTERVENTION: Federal Government can step in during breakdown of public order or national security threats. It is also expected to fill some financial gaps by granting aides where necessary.
Both the lower and upper chambers of the National Assembly have passed the Bill. It awaits ratification by at least 24 State assemblies out of the 36 States of the federation. Of note was the presence of the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Kaduna during the Senate hearing and passage. This indicates a very strong show of support and anxiety to implement the proposed state Police establishment reform.
It is instructive to note the significance of this bold move in deepening community security where the involvement of the natives would show up competency in flushing out criminals in the communities. As rightly observed by President Tinubu “security is most effective when those protecting a community know the community”. For Plateau, this means faster response in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos, Kanam, Bassa and all the other local governments of the state.
2. GOVERNORS AS CHIEF SECURITY OFFICERS: FROM TITLE TO TEETHING
Today, Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution makes Commissioners of Police answerable to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), not Governors. Governors are Chief Security Officers in name only. This is why some states had earlier resorted to “self-help” security outfits such as Operation Rainbow, Ebubeagu, Amotekun and litany of other vigilante Outfits across the country.
Under this Constitution amendment Bill, Governors will have actual powers and command to enforce state laws and protect lives and properties.
However, it is my humble suggestion to add that better safeguards are required to enhance the effectiveness of the Police including the issues of welfare, training and equipment. To this end, the inclusion of the National Police Council oversight, bans on political misuse, and federal intervention powers are key.
3. THE WAY FORWARD FOR PLATEAU STATE
A. LEGISLATIVE: Plateau Assembly must ratify quickly and work towards the framework for the State Police. We need a clear funding formula so that the State Police would not degenerate into a mere institution without the necessary funds to function.
B. OPERATIONAL: Build intelligence-led units. Recruit from communities with vetting by traditional rulers and Civil Society Organisations to avoid politicization of the recruitment process. Start with pilot LGAs. Integrate and cooperate with NPF, not compete for relevance.
C. OVERSIGHT: Set up a strong State Police Service Commission with the Nigeria Bar Association, Civil Society, and traditional rulers/ Community leaders. Use body cams and technology to be ahead of crime and criminality.
D. IMMEDIATE ACTION: Although the Governor has constituted a 14-man State Police Committee, the Plateau state government should go further to prepare a State Police White Paper_ now. Audit Operation Rainbow and vigilantes for possible transition . Engage all ethnic blocs including the Berom, Tarok, Fulani, Mwaghavul, Ron, Mushere, and all ethnic blocs to prevent likelihood of malicious suspicion amongst the people including narratives such as “our police vs their police”.
RISKS ARE REAL: Political abuse, funding gaps, arms proliferation and fragmentation. But the cost of inaction is higher.
BOTTOM LINE: This Bill finally gives Governors real CSO authority. Plateau cannot afford to be left behind as it seeks to take advantage of this reform.
As CEO of SGSS, we are ready to provide forensic, intelligence, and tactical training to ensure a professional, non-partisan Plateau State Police.
Solomon Nandy Chendan.
CEO Scottbrian Global Security, Nassarawa & Abuja.
25/06/2026.
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