Groups Demand Transparency, Constitutional Safeguards Before State Police Creation in Nigeria

Three civil society organisations have called on the Nigerian government to ensure transparency, accountability, and constitutional safeguards before any decision is taken on the establishment of state police.

The National Democratic Security Reform Coalition (NDSRC), the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG), and the National Conscience Party (NCP) issued a joint statement acknowledging the nation’s worsening security challenges but warned that efforts to address insecurity must not undermine democratic principles or citizens’ rights.

The groups noted that Nigeria continues to face mass killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and communal violence, making the demand for effective solutions legitimate. However, they cautioned that the search for security should not come at the expense of constitutionalism and human rights.

Recognising that Nigerians remain divided on the issue of state police, the organisations argued that regardless of differing opinions, there should be a consensus on democratic standards governing any security reform process. They called for any reform to be accompanied by transparency, accountability, and effective protection of citizens’ rights.

Among their key demands, the groups called for the immediate publication of all documents relating to state police proposals, including frameworks, technical committee reports, constitutional amendment drafts, oversight mechanisms, and funding proposals. They stated that Nigerians cannot meaningfully participate in discussions without access to such documents.

The coalition also urged authorities to subject any proposal altering Nigeria’s policing structure to broad public consultation before constitutional amendments are pursued. They demanded enforceable constitutional protections against potential abuses of state police powers, including political manipulation, discrimination, and violations of fundamental rights. Civilian oversight mechanisms, they said, must be put in place to keep security institutions accountable.

The groups further emphasised that any reform must guarantee equal protection for all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or location. They described the debate as not merely about policing structures but about the future relationship between power, liberty, and democratic governance in Nigeria.

The organisations called on labour unions, professional bodies, human rights defenders, and citizens to unite behind the principles of transparency, accountability, and constitutionalism.