IGP Opposes State Police, Jonathan Says It Is Not Negotiable

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has opposed the proposed establishment of the state police force, saying Nigeria is not ripe for it.

Instead, the police IG suggested the merger of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to form a unit of police department.

He spoke on the issues on Monday at a dialogue on the state policing organized by the house of representatives in Abuja.

The police IG, represented by assistant Inspector General of Police Ben Okolo, warned that the proposed state police force would escalate ethnic tension and create divisions in the states.

Egbetokun also warned that the state police would lead to multiple state police commands, and that state governors would likely use it for political gains.

President Tinubu and the state governors, agreed to the formation of the proposed state police at a meeting held last February 16 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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Meanwhile, former President Jonathan has said the proposed state police force is a settled matter in tackling the rising security challenges in the country.

Jonathan spoke on the proposal on Monday at a dialogue on the state policing organized by the house of representatives in Abuja.

The former president recalled that the 2024 National Conference recommended the establishment of different layers of police, including the state police, national border guard and national coastal guard.

He asked major stakeholders for now, to focus on how to create an operational framework for the proposed state police force.

Jonathan also said they should also address the perceived fear that the proposed state police would be abused by politicians and the state governors.