A civil society organization, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has cautioned that the proposed establishment of State Police in Nigeria could pose risks to democracy if strong institutional safeguards are not put in place to prevent political manipulation.
In a press statement issued on March 8, 2026, in Umuahia, Abia State, and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organization said that while the growing insecurity in Nigeria makes a strong case for policing reforms and decentralization of the country’s security architecture, the proposed State Police system must be carefully structured to avoid abuse.
FENRAD acknowledged that community-based policing could enhance intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to security threats, and strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities. However, the group warned that without credible checks and balances, State Police structures could be politically hijacked by state executives and used as tools for suppressing dissent, intimidating political opponents, and restricting civic space.
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According to the organization, Nigeria’s democratic experience has already shown that concentrating power in the hands of state governors poses governance challenges, including undue influence over local government structures and other state institutions.
The group stressed that introducing State Police without proper institutional safeguards could worsen the situation and pose serious threats to democratic governance, civil liberties, and human rights protections.
FENRAD therefore called for transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional rights to form the foundation of any framework for the creation of State Police.
Among its recommendations, the organization urged the establishment of independent State Police Service Commissions responsible for recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary actions within State Police formations. The commissions, it said, should include representatives from civil society organizations, the judiciary, professional bodies, and traditional institutions to prevent unilateral control by state governors.
The group also advocated robust legislative oversight by State Houses of Assembly, including scrutiny of police budgets, confirmation of key appointments, and investigation of alleged misconduct.
FENRAD further called on the Federal Government to establish clear national operational standards and human rights guidelines for all State Police formations to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse.
It also recommended strengthening institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission to independently investigate complaints against State Police officers, while creating accessible channels for citizens to report abuses.
The organization emphasized the need for legal safeguards to protect civic space, warning that State Police should not be used to harass journalists, civil society actors, peaceful protesters, or political opposition.
In addition, FENRAD proposed establishing community accountability structures, including oversight boards comprising civil society organizations, youth groups, women leaders, and traditional authorities, to monitor the activities of State Police formations.
The organization reiterated that security sector reforms must strengthen democracy rather than weaken it, warning that the establishment of State Police should not become a pathway for political repression or the erosion of civil liberties.
FENRAD therefore called on the National Assembly, state governments, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian public to ensure that the process of policing reform remains inclusive, transparent, and focused on the protection of human rights.
The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, justice, human rights, and accountable governance across Nigeria.
