The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a civil society and public accountability organization, has urged the Federal Government to establish strong institutional safeguards to prevent the political hijacking of the proposed State Police structure in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organization said it has been closely monitoring the ongoing national debate on the creation of State Police, noting that while the worsening insecurity across the country makes a strong case for policing reforms and decentralization, the proposal must be handled with caution.
FENRAD acknowledged that community-based policing could significantly improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats, and strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
However, the organization expressed concern that without adequate checks and balances, State Police could be manipulated by state governments and used as tools to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent, and restrict civic space.
According to Nwafor, Nigeria’s democratic experience already shows that the concentration of power in the hands of state governors presents governance challenges, including undue influence over local government structures and state institutions.
He warned that introducing State Police without credible accountability mechanisms could worsen the situation and pose serious risks to democratic governance, civil liberties, and human rights protection.
FENRAD therefore stressed that any legal framework establishing State Police must be rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional rights.
The group called for the inclusion of strong safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure the protection of civic freedoms.
Among its recommendations, the organization proposed the establishment of Independent State Police Service Commissions to oversee recruitment, discipline, and promotions within State Police formations. According to FENRAD, these commissions should include representatives from civil society, the judiciary, professional bodies, and traditional institutions to prevent unilateral control by state governors.
The group also called for robust legislative oversight by State Houses of Assembly, including scrutiny of police budgets, confirmation of key appointments, and investigative authority into allegations of misconduct.
FENRAD further urged the Federal Government to establish a clear national regulatory framework that would set operational standards and enforce human rights guidelines for all State Police formations across the country.
The organization emphasized the need for accessible complaint mechanisms that would allow citizens to report abuses, while institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission should be strengthened to independently investigate cases of misconduct.
It also stressed the importance of protecting civic space, warning that legal provisions must explicitly prohibit the use of State Police to harass journalists, civil society organizations, peaceful protesters, and political opposition.
FENRAD additionally recommended the creation of community accountability structures, including oversight boards made up of civil society groups, youth representatives, women leaders, and traditional authorities to monitor the activities of State Police formations.
The organization reiterated that security sector reforms must strengthen Nigeria’s democracy rather than weaken it, warning that the establishment of State Police must not become a pathway for political repression or erosion of civil liberties.
FENRAD therefore called on the National Assembly, state governments, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian public to engage in an inclusive and transparent process that prioritizes human rights, accountability, and the protection of civic space.
The group emphasized that while Nigeria’s security challenges require bold reforms, such reforms must be guided by democratic principles and strong institutional safeguards to protect citizens from abuse of power.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, justice, human rights, and accountable governance across Nigeria.
