PR24 Nigeria’s Onyekachi Adekoya on internal security & state policing in Nigeria

The quest for state policing in Nigeria has been a long-standing conversation, and the issues surrounding internal security are becoming increasingly critical. Onyekachi Adekoya, Managing Director of PR24 Nigeria, discussed the current state of insecurity in Nigeria and the need for a more sustainable security arrangement. Adekoya highlighted the challenges faced by the Nigerian police force due to the sheer scale of insecurity in the country. With a population of over 200 million people spread across vast land masses and over 700,000 local governments to police, the current system is evidently strained and inadequate. Adekoya shed light on the recent establishment of a regional security outfit, known as Amotekun, by the South-Western states in Nigeria. While the initiative was born out of the necessity to address the escalating insecurity in the region, there have been legal controversies surrounding the outfit. Adekoya emphasized the importance of following due process and creating a security program within the ambit of the law, rather than an armed outfit that could potentially evolve into a regional militia. The key theme of the conversation revolved around the urgent need for a comprehensive security initiative to enhance intelligence gathering and support the efforts of the Nigerian police force. Adekoya stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the police and local communities to effectively combat crime and maintain public safety. The establishment of state policing was acknowledged as a crucial step towards improving security in Nigeria, but the approach to its implementation was deemed essential to avoid undermining national unity. Key Points: 1. Current State of Insecurity: Adekoya highlighted the dire state of insecurity in Nigeria, with frequent incidents of violence and loss of life. The overstretched police force and limited resources have made it challenging to address the growing security concerns effectively. 2. Controversies Surrounding Amotekun: The establishment of Amotekun by South-Western states faced legal scrutiny, with concerns about the outfit potentially becoming a regional militia. Adekoya emphasized the need for a structured security program within the legal framework to ensure accountability and compliance. 3. Importance of State Policing: Adekoya emphasized the significance of state policing to enhance intelligence gathering and expand the reach of law enforcement. While recognizing the practical need for state police, the discussion underscored the importance of a transparent and lawful approach to its implementation. In conclusion, the conversation with Adekoya highlighted the complexities of internal security and state policing in Nigeria. As the country grapples with escalating security challenges, the need for a cohesive and effective security framework has never been more pressing. Adekoya's insights shed light on the critical importance of balancing security imperatives with legal compliance and national unity.