ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has stated that the establishment of state police is now unavoidable, describing it as a crucial step in strengthening security across Nigeria.
His declaration came as Northern elders called on him to declare a state of emergency in the region, citing the worsening insecurity that has crippled socio-economic life and development in the North.
On the same day, President of Mzough U Tiv UK (MUTUK), Victor Aleva, lamented that nothing had changed in Yelewata, Benue State, months after the President’s visit following the herdsmen’s attack that claimed over 200 lives. Also, Senator Ali Ndume warned that Boko Haram terrorists remain indiscriminate in their attacks, targeting Christians, Muslims, and non-believers alike.
Tinubu Restates Commitment to State Police
Speaking at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy visit by prominent Katsina indigenes led by Governor Dikko Radda, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s determination to confront insecurity. He directed security agencies to reassess operations in Katsina, which has seen a spike in banditry, and announced the deployment of advanced drones and surveillance equipment.
“I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us,” Tinubu declared.
The President also restated this position when he met with North-East governors, adding that discussions with the National Assembly would be necessary for implementation. He further disclosed plans to strengthen the capacity of newly recruited forest guards in Katsina.
Tinubu paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his legacy as one of success.
Northern Elders Demand State of Emergency
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), in a communique signed by spokesperson Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, urged Tinubu to declare a state of emergency across the North. They cited increasing cases of killings, abductions, and attacks, including the massacre of 27 worshippers in Kaduna, the execution of 38 abductees in Zamfara, and several deadly raids across the region.
They warned that failure to act decisively could lead to anarchy and self-help measures, thereby threatening Nigeria’s stability. The elders called for stronger border control, regional cooperation with ECOWAS and AU, and greater international support to curb cross-border terrorism.
Mixed Reactions to State Police Proposal
The President’s declaration drew reactions from across the country’s socio-political and cultural groups.
Afenifere: Its NEC Chairman, Oba Olu Falae, described state police as “overdue by 50 years,” noting that policing is essentially a local matter.
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF): The group, through Prof. Tukur Baba, said it looks forward to seeing how the policy will work in practice.
Middle Belt Forum (MBF): National President Dr. Bitrus Pogu called it a step in the right direction, adding that local government policing should also be considered to strengthen true federalism.
However, retired General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma opposed the idea, warning that governors would misuse state police as private militias against political opponents. He argued that the federal police system could still work effectively if properly reformed and depoliticized.
Tiv Leader: “Nothing Has Changed in Yelewata”
Victor Aleva of MUTUK criticized the Federal Government for neglecting Yelewata community after Tinubu’s visit in June. He insisted that the reported arrests of suspects were fabricated and that no meaningful reconstruction had taken place in the community destroyed by herdsmen attacks.
Aleva maintained that the violence was not a herder-farmer clash but a deliberate attempt to exterminate locals.
Ndume: Boko Haram Attacks Are Not Faith-Based
Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) cautioned against portraying Boko Haram as targeting only Christians, stressing that the insurgents attack indiscriminately. He said such narratives could weaken military morale and deepen division.
Ndume commended the military but urged the Federal Government to provide more funding and support to security forces battling insurgency in the North-East.
Defence Minister Calls for Regional Strategy
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, speaking at a regional counter-terrorism conference in Abuja, stressed the need for West African nations to combine security with governance. He highlighted the importance of intelligence, modern training, and regional collaboration under ECOWAS and AU frameworks to tackle terrorism.
According to him, “Military force is necessary but not sufficient. Poverty, unemployment, exclusion, and poor governance provide fertile ground for extremist ideologies. Winning the hearts and minds of our populations will deny extremist groups the support they seek.”
