Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Ben Okolo yesterday said his comments rejecting state police during a one-day dialogue in Abuja were personal.
Okolo, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said his views were aimed at stimulating national discourse.
He said they do not represent the position of the police.
The AIG said in a statement: “My expression on state police at the session held at Abuja Continental Hotel on 22nd April 2024 is my personal opinion to stimulate the discourse.
“They are not the views of the Inspector-General of Police or the Nigeria Police Force.”
Okolo’s comments came after two former Nigerian leaders – Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar — threw their weight behind state police.
The AIG had said at the event that the country was not mature for state police.
He added that apart from leading to multiple command structures, state police could become a political tool in the hands of governors.
Okolo also said state policing would exacerbate ethnic tension and lead to divided loyalty in the states.
He said: “It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police.
“State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security.
“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction.’’
He also argued that states lacked the funds needed for the type of police system the country requires.
Rather than establish state police across the country, the AIG recommended merging the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission to form departments in the NPF.
He also said there is a need for a yearly recruitment of about 30,000 police personnel into the force annually to meet the United Nations (UN) requirement for modern policing.
Jonathan restates backing for state police
Also yesterday, Dr Jonathan attributed the steady progress recorded by successive governments in Akwa Ibom to the prevailing peace and security in the state over the years.
He stressed the need for the Federal Government to give serious thought to the institution of state police.
He spoke with reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Governor Umo Eno in Uyo, the state capital.
Dr Jonathan was in Akwa Ibom as the head of a business delegation to consult with Eno on the possible establishment of an oil and gas hub for domestic use and the power sector.
