State police will revive political abuse of the 1960s, warns ex-CP Singham

Retired Commissioner of Police Muhammad Wakili, popularly known as CP Singham, has warned against the proposed establishment of state police, arguing that the move would revive the political abuses that led to the abolition of regional policing in Nigeria more than five decades ago.

Speaking during an interview on the ongoing debate over state police, Wakili said decentralising the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would not address the country’s deep-rooted security challenges, insisting that the real solution lies in strengthening the existing federal police structure.

According to the former police commissioner, Nigeria previously operated a decentralised policing system under the Native Authority Police, but the arrangement was eventually scrapped during the 1972 constitutional reforms because it was widely abused by political leaders.

Drawing from his personal experience, Wakili disclosed that his father served under the former Native Authority Police, giving him first-hand knowledge of how the system operated and why it ultimately failed.

“We have tested that system before and we know the consequences. I see no reason to drag Nigeria back to the 1960s because the same problems that existed then are still with us today,” he said.

The retired police chief argued that the country’s worsening insecurity is not caused by the absence of state police, but by years of inadequate investment in the Nigeria Police Force.

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He described the NPF as one of the most capable police institutions globally, noting that Nigerian officers consistently distinguish themselves during international peacekeeping and foreign missions whenever they are provided with modern equipment, proper logistics and improved welfare.

According to him, the force remains grossly underfunded, understaffed and poorly equipped to effectively tackle terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise the recruitment of more police personnel, provide modern operational equipment, improve police training, renovate dilapidated barracks and enhance officers’ welfare instead of creating another policing structure.

“The government should recruit more policemen, give them proper training and equipment, and then see if they won’t perform well,” Wakili said.

The retired commissioner also blamed selective enforcement of the law and lack of accountability within public institutions for weakening public confidence in law enforcement.

According to him, officers found guilty of misconduct should be punished in accordance with the law, regardless of their rank, to serve as a deterrent and strengthen discipline within the police.

On concerns over political interference, Wakili insisted that state police would inevitably become tools in the hands of state governors.

He argued that no legal safeguards would be sufficient to prevent governors from using state-controlled police formations to intimidate political opponents or influence elections.

“It is impossible to stop governors from abusing state police. It is better to stop the move entirely than to deceive ourselves,” he said.

The former commissioner observed that some governors already complain that Commissioners of Police fail to obey their directives, explaining that such disagreements usually arise because police officers refuse to carry out instructions that violate existing laws.

“If governors can use political thugs to achieve their objectives today, what stops them from using state police tomorrow?” he asked.

Wakili further questioned the argument that state police would significantly improve Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

He noted that despite decades of experience, the Nigeria Police Force has continued to battle insurgency, terrorism and banditry alongside the military, wondering how newly created state police organisations would suddenly succeed where existing security institutions continue to face enormous challenges.

“If the federal police have not completely defeated Boko Haram and banditry, I don’t see how state police will suddenly solve the problem,” he said.

According to him, state police may only be useful in handling minor offences such as thuggery, prostitution and drug-related crimes, while serious national security threats would continue to require federal intervention and coordination.

The retired police chief, however, acknowledged that issues relating to recruitment, operational powers, firearms, prosecution, jurisdiction and collaboration between federal and state police would ultimately depend on the legal framework establishing the proposed policing system.

He stressed that such a far-reaching constitutional reform should only proceed after extensive consultations with security experts, legal practitioners, civil society organisations and the general public.

Wakili also maintained that justice, patriotism and good governance remain the most effective weapons against insecurity.

According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be solved solely through structural reforms but by ensuring fairness, accountability and responsible leadership at all levels of government.

He concluded that strengthening the existing Nigeria Police Force, improving officers’ welfare and enforcing the rule of law would deliver better results than establishing state police.

State police will revive political abuse of the 1960s, warns ex-CP Singham

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Borno: Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages

In a significant blow to terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have dismantled a roadblock mounted by ISWAP/JAS terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya highway in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, rescuing 53 innocent civilians and recovering eight vehicles seized by the insurgents .

The successful operation, carried out on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Sector 2, represents another major victory in the military’s sustained offensive against ISWAP and JAS terrorists in the region . This latest success comes just days after troops rescued 47 hostages, mostly women and children, from ISWAP captivity in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, underscoring the military’s intensified campaign to dismantle terrorist networks in the Lake Chad region .

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was launched after troops deployed at Dutse Kura detected terrorists mounting an illegal roadblock through surveillance cameras . The detection prompted the immediate deployment of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to the scene, demonstrating the military’s enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities . “A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team immediately mobilised to the scene and pursued the insurgents toward the Mangari–Dora general area, made contact and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in confusion,” the statement read in part .

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During the fierce encounter, troops successfully rescued 53 innocent civilians who had been held hostage by the terrorists . The military also recovered eight vehicles that had been seized by the insurgents before the operation . Security sources confirmed that the rescued hostages comprised 48 adults and five children, with the adults including 20 men and 28 women . The troops advanced approximately 10 kilometres along the insurgents’ withdrawal route to clear the area and conduct further searches, although no additional contact was made . The military confirmed that all rescued persons, recovered vehicles, and other properties were safely moved to Buratai town . The rescued civilians are currently undergoing documentation and medical evaluations at a secure location, with arrangements underway to facilitate their reunion with their families . Military sources confirmed that no casualty or equipment loss was recorded during the operation, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the troops’ rapid response capability .

The Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has commended the professionalism and swift response of the troops, describing the mission as another significant success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East region . The command noted that the operation reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the troops’ rapid response capability in preventing terrorists from causing further harm to innocent road users . The military has urged all citizens within the Joint Operations Area to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information regarding any suspicious movements and activities to security agencies . The command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks, and restore peace and normalcy across the North-East region . “The general security situation within the general area remains calm as troops continue to maintain an aggressive posture and dominance in the general area,” the statement added . This operation demonstrates the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians while intensifying efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities in the region .

Borno: Troops Dismantle ISWAP Roadblock, Rescue 53 Hostages