Five States Set to Convert Local Security Outfits Into State Police

Five state governments have indicated plans to transform their existing local security outfits into state police once the constitutional process for establishing state policing is completed, following the passage of the Executive Bill by the House of Representatives.

The proposed move affects Ondo, Kaduna, Anambra, Zamfara and Abia states, which say they intend to build their state police structures on security outfits already operating within their jurisdictions.

The decision comes after the House of Representatives approved the Executive Bill on Thursday, marking a major step toward decentralising Nigeria’s policing system.

The five states believe their existing security agencies already have the institutional framework, trained personnel, operational experience and community trust required for a smooth transition into state police. They also argue that the officers understand local terrain, have built intelligence networks over the years and can begin operations more quickly than creating entirely new organisations from scratch.

In Ondo State, the government is considering converting the Amotekun Corps into the state police. The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, said the security outfit already has what is needed for the transition.

“The men and officers of the Amotekun Corps would also be well positioned for recruitment into the state police system. Their years of experience, knowledge of the local terrain, community relationships, and understanding of the security challenges confronting our people are invaluable assets that should not be discarded.

“So, I can say boldly that Ondo State is ready for state police. We already have the structure in place, the personnel, the experience, and the institutional framework to make it work,” Sowore said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, also said the existing Amotekun structure provides a solid template for implementing state police.

Kaduna State has also expressed readiness to convert the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) into a state police organisation. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, said the government was already strengthening the outfit to prepare for the expected transition.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is very keen on the issue of state police. When the Constitution is eventually reviewed and state police become operational, where do we start from? You can rest assured it will start from here,” he said.

A senior Kaduna government official added that the state preferred improving the capacity of KADVIS instead of establishing a new security agency.

“With all things being equal, the government will strengthen and properly equip the Kaduna State Vigilance Service for greater efficiency in complementing conventional security agencies. Personnel of the service are already undergoing a series of training programmes to improve their capacity to combat crime across the state,” the official said.

In Zamfara State, the government said it would convert the Civilian Protection Guards into state police if the legal framework permits. Governor Dauda Lawal’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mustafa Kaura, said, “With the creation of the CPG, the state government has already established a good security structure. So, the state government will convert it, considering the experience its personnel have gained in the fight against insecurity.”

The Anambra State Government also said it would restructure its Agunechemba security outfit to serve as the state’s police force. The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, said the state’s Homeland Security Law already shares similarities with the proposed state policing system.

“Anambra is prepared, and we believe that with the legislation that has been enacted into law, our Agunechemba will be further rejigged to fulfil the mandate of the state police,” Opara stated.

Abia State equally signalled its intention to merge its Homeland Security outfit with community vigilante groups as the foundation for state police. Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the government would develop the necessary modalities for the take-off of the new policing system.

Meanwhile, several other states, including Bayelsa, Yobe, Imo, Benue, Kebbi, Sokoto, Ogun and Ekiti, said they would wait for the completion of the constitutional process, presidential assent and implementation guidelines before deciding whether to integrate existing security outfits into state police structures.

Delta State, however, said it plans to establish an entirely new state police structure instead of converting existing vigilante organisations. Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, said, “We have not considered converting any existing security outfit or vigilante group. We are looking at starting everything afresh without disrupting any existing structure. The idea is to create new opportunities rather than convert what already exists.”