BREAKING: Buhari Almost Assented To State Policing, Gov’s Truncated It; We Also Saw President Fire IGP – Adekoya

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Security expert Oyekachi Adekoya has renewed the call for the establishment of state police across Nigeria, arguing that previous efforts to decentralize policing were stalled despite receiving significant support at the federal level.

Speaking during an interview on News Central TV, on Thursday, 4 June, 2026, Adekoya reacted to the ongoing debate over state policing, describing it as a critical component of addressing the country’s persistent security challenges.

According to him, opposition from state governments, particularly concerns about funding, played a major role in frustrating earlier attempts to implement the policy during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Buhari almost assented to this same state policing but the state governors truncated it on the basis that they did not have the budget. We have also seen this president fire an IGP on the allegation that he was not supporting state police,” Adekoya said.

The security analyst noted that discussions around state policing have persisted for years, with advocates arguing that local law enforcement structures would be better positioned to respond to crimes and security threats within their jurisdictions.

Adekoya’s remarks come amid growing concerns over kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes across different parts of the country. Many stakeholders have continued to push for reforms that would allow states to establish and manage their own police forces while working alongside federal security agencies.

He suggested that resistance to state police should no longer be based solely on financial considerations, stressing that insecurity has already imposed enormous economic and social costs on both governments and citizens.

The expert also pointed to recent developments within the nation’s security architecture as evidence that the issue remains a priority at the highest levels of government. He argued that political leaders must demonstrate the will to move beyond debates and implement practical solutions capable of improving security nationwide.