Retired Commissioner of Police Muhammad Wakili, popularly known as “Singham,” has cautioned against the creation of state police in Nigeria, warning that such a move could return the country to the political and security challenges experienced during the 1960s.
Speaking during a public discussion on security reforms and policing in Nigeria, Wakili argued that decentralizing the police force along state lines may expose security institutions to political interference and abuse by state governments.
The retired police officer, who earned the nickname “Singham” during his years in service due to his tough stance against crime, said the experiences of the First Republic should serve as a lesson for contemporary policymakers considering state policing.
According to him, regional and local control of security agencies in the 1960s contributed to political intimidation, abuse of power, and deep divisions that eventually affected national stability. He maintained that the country should avoid repeating those mistakes.
Wakili stated that while insecurity remains a major challenge across Nigeria, establishing state police may not necessarily provide the desired solution. Instead, he called for comprehensive reforms within the existing policing structure, improved funding, better welfare for officers, and stronger community policing initiatives.
He stressed the importance of strengthening intelligence gathering, modernizing security operations, and increasing collaboration between federal agencies and local communities to tackle crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and terrorism.
The debate over the establishment of state police has continued to generate mixed reactions among political leaders, security experts, and civil society groups. Supporters argue that state police would improve local security responses and address manpower shortages, while opponents fear that governors could use the system to suppress political opponents.
Wakili urged policymakers to carefully examine the historical consequences of regional policing before making constitutional changes that could alter the country’s security architecture.
