A retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, Ishola Williams, has called for constitutional recognition of state policing structures already operating across the country, insisting that the debate should shift from whether state police should exist to how existing security outfits can be legally empowered.
Williams made the assertion on Friday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
The retired military officer argued that regional security outfits such as the South-West Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, have effectively established a form of state policing, despite lacking constitutional backing.
According to him, what is required is a constitutional amendment that would formally recognise and regulate such structures within Nigeria’s security framework.
“We already have state police in practice. The real issue is providing the constitutional framework to support and properly organise what already exists,” he said.
Williams expressed concern over what he described as overlapping responsibilities and poor coordination among security institutions, warning that the situation had contributed to the country’s persistent insecurity.
He noted that many Nigerians were simultaneously battling economic hardship and growing security threats, describing the development as a serious national concern.
The retired general said citizens were increasingly unable to move freely or meet basic needs, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, saying there had been little public engagement or visible strategy from the office since its establishment.
According to him, the absence of regular briefings and clear communication has raised concerns about the coordination of government security efforts.
Williams further criticised proposals to recruit large numbers of security personnel without adequate training, arguing that such measures would have limited impact on combating organised criminal networks.
He maintained that security agencies require specialised skills and operational readiness, particularly in responding to kidnappings and other violent crimes.
The former military officer also lamented what he described as the government’s failure to implement expert recommendations on security reforms, including proposals aimed at improving the protection of schools.
He stressed the need for policymakers to distinguish between public safety and national security, warning that confusion between the two concepts had weakened responses to emerging threats.
Speaking on recent cases of abduction, particularly those involving schoolchildren, Williams faulted what he described as delayed responses by security agencies.
He advocated the immediate deployment of special forces supported by drones and helicopters whenever kidnappings are reported, arguing that swift action could improve rescue operations.
The retired general reiterated that Nigeria already possesses several security institutions but lacks the coordination and legal clarity necessary for effective performance.
He accused political leaders of delaying reforms that would strengthen sub-national security structures and alleged that vested interests were slowing efforts to decentralise policing.
According to him, the discussion should no longer centre on whether state police should be created, but on how existing regional security outfits can be constitutionally recognised and empowered to operate efficiently.
Williams warned that insecurity would persist unless the country addresses structural deficiencies within its security architecture, improves inter-agency collaboration and establishes a clear legal framework for policing at both federal and state levels.
He concluded that Nigeria’s security challenges stem largely from institutional confusion, weak accountability mechanisms and the absence of constitutional clarity regarding internal security management.
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