Northern group opposes establishment of state police

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The establishment of state police has been openly opposed by the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria, or KACRAN, which cites the potential of political abuse and financial load as significant obstacles that could prevent officers from upholding law and order.

In a statement released on Thursday, KACRAN expressed its stance through Khalil Moh’d Bello, its national president.

The statement claims that the idea has important ramifications that could affect the region’s social peace, administrative effectiveness, and financial stability.

“Establishing a state police force entails a substantial financial commitment. For example, a state with 15 local governments could require approximately 10 billion naira for initial setup costs, including recruitment, training, equipment, and infrastructure development. In larger states like Kano, these expenses could rise to about 30 billion naira.

“Additionally, maintaining such a force would demand around 3 billion naira monthly for salaries and operational costs. These expenditures could divert critical resources from essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are vital for the development and well-being of the region,” Bello said.

Regarding job security and crime rates, the national president of KACRAN voiced concern about what would happen to recruited officers in the event that administrative changes and budgetary restrictions result in job losses. This could force skilled workers to turn to criminal activity, which could raise crime rates in local communities.

“The potential for political misuse of state police is a major concern. There is a risk that these forces could be used to serve the interests of local political leaders rather than the broader public, leading to the victimisation of opposition parties and creating an environment of lawlessness and anarchy.

“Such a scenario could undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in law enforcement,” he added.

Additionally, Bello expressed concern that the establishment of the state police might degrade the effectiveness of national policing efforts by attracting experienced officers away from the current Nigeria Police Force. This, in turn, could result in a decrease in coordination and communication between state and federal law enforcement agencies.

On behalf of KACRAN, he argued in favour of reallocating funds to projects that support Northern states’ long-term prosperity and sustainable development.

“KACRAN proposes the establishment of a Security Foundation Fund, where at least N50 million would be donated monthly to support law enforcement personnel.

“This fund would cover medical care for officers injured in the line of duty, support their families during recovery, and provide financial assistance in the event of a death,” he said.

KACRAN urged all Northern authorities, including emirs, the Northern Consultative Forum, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, to resist the creation of a state police.

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