Prof. Itse Sagay says northern resistance delayed state police in Nigeria, urging governors’ support for constitutional amendment to enhance security

Former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, has stated in Abuja on Thursday, February 27, 2026, that the main obstacle to establishing state police in Nigeria has been resistance from northern governors and politicians.

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Sagay, speaking on Arise News, highlighted that the support of state governors is critical to constitutional amendments allowing individual states to create their own police forces.

“Don’t stop us from having it,” Sagay said. “When northern governors or northern politicians were against the idea of state police, it created a problem.

If the present constitution is amended to allow states to establish their own police forces, the fight against bandits and murderers will be more effective, and the safety of Nigerians will be better guaranteed.”

He acknowledged that the stance of the 36 state governors, including the FCT, has now shifted in favour of the initiative. Sagay added that approval by a majority of state houses of assembly would suffice for implementation.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier called on the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the constitution to incorporate state police, describing it as a tool to enhance security and tackle insurgency across the country.

Sagay expressed confidence that, with the backing of the governors, the establishment of state police is now achievable.

He described the National Assembly as likely to support the initiative, noting its historical tendency to align with the executive’s proposals when governors are in agreement.

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The former presidential aide emphasised that overcoming regional resistance is key to ensuring effective policing and improving the safety of Nigerians nationwide.