The member of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, on Thursday, backed the establishment of state police, saying it would strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
Kusada, who represents Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency of Katsina State, spoke shortly after the House passed the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to establish state police.
The lawmaker said he had consistently advocated for state policing since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, citing the security situation in northern Nigeria.
“I have been one of the advocates for state police since we came to this Assembly. I come from Katsina, and we understand the level of insecurity in our area,” he said.
He noted that Katsina State had already introduced a form of community policing, which he said had complemented the efforts of federal security agencies.
“Our state government established community police, which we call ‘Sea Watch’, and we have seen their level of commitment in supporting the federal police,” he added.
Kusada argued that state police would provide an additional layer of security to support existing agencies such as the military and the Nigeria Police Force.
“We have the military on ground, we have the police on ground, yet insecurity is on the rise. Establishing state police will add the support we need,” he said.
Speaking on how state police would operate differently, the lawmaker pointed to the issue of command and response time.
“The police and military you mentioned are on ground, but they take directives from the federal leadership. With state police, the governor can give immediate directives, and they will act swiftly,” he stated.
He acknowledged concerns that state governors might misuse the outfit for political purposes but insisted that the benefits outweigh the risks.
“There are concerns that some governors may misuse it, but many things done with good intentions can also be abused. What is important is the overall benefit,” he said.
On safeguards, Kusada stressed the need for strict adherence to the law.
“The measure is the law itself. We must operate within the provisions of the law,” he added.
The House of Representatives had earlier passed the Constitution Amendment Bill for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address rising insecurity and decentralise policing in the country.