State Police Creation Will Be a ‘Disaster’ – Ex-NDLEA Commander Warns Tinubu

A former Deputy Commander General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against the proposed establishment of state police, describing the move as a potential catalyst for crisis rather than a solution to the nation’s security challenges.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Momodu urged the President to focus on reforming the existing Nigeria Police Force instead of introducing a new layer of law enforcement. His remarks follow President Tinubu’s recent call for a constitutional amendment to pave the way for state-controlled police, a proposal he asked the House of Representatives to ensure includes safeguards against abuse by state governors.

Momodu argued that the push for state police stems largely from frustrations over the perceived inefficiency of current federal law enforcement agencies and the limited control state governors have over Commissioners of Police.

“State police is a disaster waiting to happen. We shouldn’t go there at all,” Momodu stated. “If the issue is that governors cannot effectively direct Commissioners of Police, then amend the relevant constitutional provisions rather than creating another layer of policing.”

He questioned whether the federal government had exhausted all avenues to improve the existing security architecture. “If we believe the law enforcement agencies are not working very well, why are they not working very well? What are the issues? Those issues need to be addressed first,” he added.

Momodu pointed to operational shortcomings such as poor vehicle logistics, inadequate funding, and the frequent transfer of Police Commissioners as underlying problems that have yet to be resolved.

The former NDLEA commander also extended advice to the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, whom he described as a capable officer. He called on the IGP to prioritize the welfare of officers by fully implementing Section 20 of the Police Act, which mandates that no police officer should earn less than their counterparts in other better-funded security agencies.

Additionally, Momodu urged the police chief to activate provisions allowing for the recruitment of specialised “spy police” personnel for VIP protection and facility guarding funded by private organisations rather than the federal government as a way to reduce the financial burden on the state while enhancing security coverage.