By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has called on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to accelerate the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy group expressed concern over the prolonged delay in creating a decentralised policing system, arguing that state police remains critical to tackling growing security challenges across the country.
According to IMPI, the police force should serve as the foundation of Nigeria’s internal security framework, making the establishment of state police a matter of urgency.
The group noted that police officers recruited from their local communities would possess a better understanding of the culture, language, terrain, and security dynamics of their areas, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
“We acknowledge ongoing efforts to establish state police as part of the nation’s security apparatus. However, we believe the National Assembly should invoke the doctrine of necessity to ensure the swift passage of legislation creating state police without further delay,” the statement said.
IMPI further urged state governments to promote community participation in security management by engaging traditional leaders, local organisations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
The think tank stressed that community mobilisation remains a vital strategy for strengthening security at the grassroots level, fostering accountability, encouraging citizen participation, and supporting peaceful conflict resolution.
According to the group, involving communities in security matters will not only improve public trust but also create a collective sense of responsibility in addressing security threats.
IMPI maintained that a collaborative approach involving governments, communities, and security agencies is essential to building a more effective and responsive security system across Nigeria.
