IMPI Urges National Assembly to Fast-Track State Police Through Doctrine of Necessity By Raymond Enoch
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has called on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to accelerate the establishment of State Police, describing the move as critical to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture and tackling rising security challenges across the country.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy think tank expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged delay in creating a decentralized policing framework capable of responding effectively to local security realities.
According to IMPI, the Nigeria Police Force should remain the foundation of the nation’s internal security structure, but argued that a state policing system would significantly enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community-based crime prevention.
The group maintained that police officers recruited from their local environments possess a better understanding of the culture, language, terrain, and social dynamics of the communities they serve, making them more effective in maintaining law and order.
“Our argument is hinged on the fact that police officers must be recruited from and deployed to the local environment they are familiar with. The would-be police officers are better placed because of their knowledge of the culture and familiarity with their environment,” the statement noted.
Consequently, IMPI urged lawmakers to take decisive legislative action by invoking the doctrine of necessity to ensure the speedy passage of laws establishing State Police, stressing that the country can no longer afford delays in implementing reforms aimed at enhancing grassroots security.
Beyond the call for State Police, the policy group also advocated stronger community participation in security governance, urging state governments to institutionalize mechanisms that actively engage communities and stakeholders in safeguarding their localities.
The think tank emphasized that effective security cannot be achieved solely through government agencies but requires the collective involvement of traditional leaders, civil society groups, community organizations, and citizens.
According to IMPI, community mobilisation remains one of the most potent tools for addressing insecurity, as it empowers residents to take ownership of security challenges while fostering cooperation between communities and government institutions.
The group explained that community mobilisation promotes accountability, representative participation, peaceful conflict resolution, and the development of sustainable local solutions to security concerns.
“It involves bringing together various stakeholders within a community, such as community leaders, local organisations, and government agencies, to work towards a common goal,” the statement said.
IMPI concluded that strengthening community participation alongside the establishment of State Police would create a more responsive and resilient security framework capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security threats while deepening public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The call adds to growing national conversations on police reforms and the urgent need to decentralize security operations as Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges across several regions of the country.
