DAWN Commission urges Nigeria to enact state police legislation to tackle rising insecurity and protect citizens nationwide

In a stern call to action, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has highlighted the urgent need for state police in Nigeria, warning that the nation is teetering on the brink of widespread lawlessness.

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The commission’s report details escalating attacks by bandits, terrorists, and criminal groups across every geopolitical zone.

Daily accounts of killings, kidnappings, and property destruction paint a grim picture of communities under siege.

According to DAWN, the Nigerian Army, despite its valiant efforts, is overstretched and unable to maintain security nationwide without localized police support.

Recent incidents in Benue, Kebbi, and other states illustrate the danger. Communities have been razed, schoolchildren abducted, and urban centres are no longer safe havens.

The international spotlight has intensified, with warnings from the United States over potential genocide against Christians adding pressure on the government.

DAWN emphasises that the consequences of inaction are severe. Communities may turn to vigilante groups, further destabilising peace.

Ethno-religious tensions could worsen, trust in government institutions would erode, and Nigeria risks descending into chaos.

The establishment of state police is positioned as a systemic solution to prevent these outcomes.

The commission argues that state police offer numerous advantages. Localised intelligence and rapid response to threats can protect communities more effectively than federal forces alone.

States could tailor strategies to regional challenges, from banditry in the North-West to cult-related violence in the South-West.

Properly implemented, state police would strengthen, rather than compete with, federal security agencies.

Addressing concerns that state police could become tools for political gain, DAWN recommends robust constitutional safeguards, independent oversight, and professionalised recruitment and training based on global best practices.

Coordination between state and federal forces would prevent abuse while ensuring operational effectiveness.

“The establishment of state police is not merely a legislative necessity; it is a moral imperative,” the commission stated. “Every day of delay costs lives and weakens the nation’s unity and democracy.”

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DAWN calls on the National Assembly and Federal Government to act swiftly, arguing that a systemic approach anchored on state police is essential to restore public confidence, protect citizens, and safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.