A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aare Tunji Alapini, has thrown his weight behind the creation of state police, saying the proposed security reform could improve crime-fighting efforts and strengthen community policing across Nigeria.
Alapini stated this on Wednesday while speaking on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
The former police chief said the agitation for state police should be seen as an opportunity to enhance the nation's security architecture rather than a threat to the existing policing system.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force has not failed in its responsibilities, but the country's evolving security challenges demand new approaches capable of delivering better results.
He noted that persistent cases of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and communal violence have highlighted the need for a decentralised policing structure that can respond more effectively to local threats.
Alapini argued that state police would help revive community-based policing, where security personnel are recruited from their localities and possess a deeper understanding of the people, culture and terrain.
Recalling earlier community surveillance practices, he lamented the decline of neighbourhood vigilance, noting that communities previously had effective mechanisms for identifying and monitoring strangers.
Drawing from his experience as a former Commissioner of Police in Edo State, he cited the traditional Edionwere system, through which community leaders maintained records of residents and newcomers, making intelligence gathering easier.
The retired police officer maintained that concerns over funding, training and accountability should not derail the implementation of state police, insisting that such challenges can be addressed through effective legislation and oversight mechanisms.
He also dismissed fears that governors could misuse state police for political purposes, saying adequate checks and balances would prevent abuse of the system.
According to him, the appointment of state police commissioners would not be left solely in the hands of governors but would involve relevant commissions and regulatory bodies to ensure professionalism and accountability.
Alapini further explained that the roles of federal and state police formations could be clearly delineated, with federal officers focusing on national security matters while state police handle local crimes and community safety.
He also called for more effective prosecution of criminal suspects, stressing that prompt punishment of offenders remains a critical tool in deterring crime.
While commending efforts by some state governments to improve security, he urged Nigerians to support law enforcement agencies by remaining vigilant and providing useful information.
"No policing structure can succeed without the active participation of the people," he said, adding that security must remain a collective responsibility.
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