Gaidam says state police key to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges

Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of Police Affairs, says the establishment of state police is crucial to addressing Nigeria’s current and evolving security challenges, while strengthening national security across the country.

Mrs Fatima Adamu of the ministry’s Press and Public Relations Unit said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

She added that Gaidam spoke when receiving a delegation from the Steering Committee on the State Police Establishment Framework.

Gaidam said the committee was constituted by the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) to develop a practical and comprehensive framework for the successful implementation of state policing systems nationwide.

“The establishment of state police is now a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

“It is targeted at bringing policing closer to communities through enhanced responsiveness, intelligence gathering, and effectiveness in tackling security threats,” Gaidam said.

He added that decentralising policing structures aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and said state policing was imperative in today’s dynamic security landscape, which required innovative, localised solutions.

Gaidam commended the I-G for swift implementation of policy directives aimed at improving policing efficiency, noting that proactive leadership demonstrated a shared commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.

Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, chairman of the Steering Committee, outlined ongoing efforts to ensure that state police systems were efficient, accountable, and responsive to the unique security needs of communities.

He said the initiative was designed to enhance public trust in law enforcement, while building a modern, resilient, and community-oriented security architecture capable of addressing both present and future challenges.

Ogunsakin added that the visit marked a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s broader police reform agenda, reinforcing ongoing efforts to refine operational frameworks of the police.(