Muhammad Wakili, popularly known as Singham, is a retired Commissioner of Police who earned recognition for his efforts in combating crime during his service years. In this interview, he shares his perspective on the ongoing debate over the establishment of state police in Nigeria, arguing that creating state-controlled police forces may not provide additional solutions to the country’s security challenges.
Considering Nigeria’s current security situation, do you believe decentralising the Nigeria Police Force is a necessary reform?
The idea of decentralising policing is not new in Nigeria. We have operated a similar system in the past before it was abolished during the 1972 constitutional amendment.
My father was a Wakilin Doka, a title associated with the Native Authority police system. We experienced what happened when policing was controlled at the local level under the Native Authority. We have seen both the advantages and the challenges that came with that arrangement.
The reality is that human nature has not changed. If we carefully examine the way leaders govern today compared to decades ago, we will see significant differences. Many leaders, including presidents and governors, sometimes act as though they have absolute control over their jurisdictions and make decisions based on personal interests rather than national considerations.
For this reason, I do not support the creation of state police. Returning to the system we had in the 1960s may only recreate the same challenges that led to its abolition. Unless we are unwilling to confront the truth, we must acknowledge that the conditions that affected the previous system still exist today.
Two major principles guide society: respect for the law and the fear of God. When people disregard these principles, especially those in positions of authority, the consequences affect everyone.
The Nigeria Police Force remains one of the most capable police institutions in the world. Our officers have demonstrated exceptional performance during international peacekeeping missions, often ranking among the best. Nigerian policemen are known for their courage, endurance and ability to handle difficult assignments.
However, the major challenge facing the police is not capacity but resources. The force is underfunded, understaffed and lacks adequate training and modern equipment. Many officers operate under difficult conditions, with poor accommodation, insufficient vehicles and inadequate welfare.
The question we should ask is: how many policemen do we actually have to secure a country of Nigeria’s size? Some states do not even have up to 3,000 police officers. These are realities that must be addressed.
Rather than creating another structure, government should invest in the existing police force by recruiting more personnel, providing better training, improving welfare and equipping officers with modern tools. Nigeria has many qualified young people seeking employment who can be recruited into the force.
Another major issue is selective justice. Anyone who violates the law must face the consequences, regardless of position. If officers within the police hierarchy fail in their duties, they should be disciplined according to the law. When those responsible for enforcing the law are protected from accountability, it becomes difficult for them to demand discipline from ordinary citizens.
If we strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and allow it to operate professionally, we will see significant improvements.
If state police is created, what framework can ensure accountability and prevent political interference?
The success of state police will depend entirely on the law that establishes it. The legislation must clearly define its structure, responsibilities, limitations and relationship with the Nigeria Police Force.
Every institution operates within the boundaries of the law. Even the president cannot act outside constitutional provisions. If a proposed action requires legal backing, it must go through the appropriate legislative process.
The same principle applies to state police. The law must clearly define its relationship with federal authorities. If challenges arise after implementation, necessary amendments can be made. Laws are not permanent; they can evolve based on experience.
Should state police officers have powers to arrest, prosecute and carry firearms?
That decision must be determined by the law establishing state police. The legislation must clearly state their responsibilities, powers and limitations.
It should define whether state police officers can carry firearms, make arrests, prosecute offenders and which categories of crimes fall under their jurisdiction.
Before such a law is enacted, there must be broad consultations involving Nigerians, security experts and relevant stakeholders. Unfortunately, that level of consultation has not sufficiently taken place.
How would state police affect the management of ethnic and religious conflicts?
The answer lies in proper training and adherence to the law. A professional police officer should not be guided by religion, ethnicity or tribe. A policeman’s responsibility is to protect the complainant and handle the accused according to the law.
Whether someone is Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Muslim, Christian or from any other background should not influence police action.
Leadership at every level should operate with fairness and neutrality. If state police officers receive proper training and operate within legal boundaries, they can perform effectively.
Can state police solve challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism?
I do not believe state police will provide the solution to these major security challenges. If the Nigeria Police Force, which has existed for decades, has struggled with issues such as Boko Haram, banditry and terrorism, how can a newly created state police system immediately overcome them?
We must first examine the training, resources and legal powers that state police officers will have before expecting them to fight complex security threats.
In my view, state police may only be effective in handling local issues such as minor crimes, community disputes, drug abuse and similar challenges. The fight against terrorism and organised crime requires specialised training, intelligence and resources.
What is the solution to Nigeria’s security challenges?
The solution begins with responsible leadership, sacrifice and patriotism. Leaders and citizens must put national interest above personal gain.
For example, the payment of ransom to kidnappers encourages criminal activities. Society must develop the courage and unity to confront criminal elements instead of allowing them to continue exploiting citizens.
Beyond security operations, injustice and inequality in governance contribute to insecurity. If leaders govern fairly and uphold justice, many of the problems facing the country will reduce.
How can state police avoid being abused by governors, especially during elections?
In my opinion, it will be extremely difficult to prevent such abuse. It is better to reconsider the idea entirely than to create a system that can be manipulated.
We have already seen instances where politicians use informal groups and political thugs to achieve their objectives. If such individuals can misuse those groups, there is a possibility they could also influence state police.
The complaints by some governors about commissioners of police refusing to take certain instructions often arise because professional officers will not obey directives that contradict the law.
The focus should be on strengthening the existing Nigeria Police Force rather than creating a structure that may become politicised.
What should be the command structure during national emergencies in a federal system with state police?
Federal authority must remain supreme during national crises. Nigeria’s history has shown that the federal government can intervene when situations threaten national stability.
The constitution already provides mechanisms for addressing such emergencies.
Should recruitment into state police prioritise indigenes of each state?
This is another issue that must be determined by law. However, Nigeria’s constitution recognises every citizen as equal regardless of state of origin.
A Nigerian from one state has the right to live and work in another state. Any policy that discriminates against citizens based on origin could face legal challenges.
Instead of creating structures that divide citizens further, we should focus on strengthening national unity.
How should crimes involving multiple states be handled?
The federal police can continue to coordinate such cases. If a crime occurs in one state and the suspect escapes to another, security agencies should cooperate to ensure justice.
State police, if created, must have clear procedures for cooperation with federal authorities and other states.
What lessons can state police learn from existing security outfits such as Amotekun, Ebube Agu and Hisbah?
The key issue is training and recruitment. The quality of personnel determines the effectiveness of any security organisation.
If state police officers are carefully selected, properly trained and operate according to the law, they can earn public confidence. But if they operate outside legal boundaries, they will face similar challenges experienced by other security outfits.
This version retains Singham’s arguments while presenting them in a clearer interview format suitable for publication or broadcast.
