State Police Only Antidote To Tackle Insecurity, Says Expert

April 15, 2022

With the rising level of insecurity in different parts of Nigeria in recent times, security experts have reiterated the call for creation of state police, insisting that it is the only antidote for tackling it.

A security consultant, Alfred Ononugbo made the call at Channels TV SunriseDaily talk show on Friday morning while commenting on the attack of INEC officials in Imo State by gunmen.

Ononugbo said the existing security system that is exclusively managed by the federal government has become overwhelmed by incessant attacks orchestrated by criminal elements in different parts of the country.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

“The services of our security personnel have been overwhelmed, coupled with low resources. We should at this time begin to consider state police. States should be given responsibilities and some level of constitutional provisions to ensure that activities of criminals are effectively monitored,” Ononugbo stated.

Unknown gunmen on Thursday shot dead an INEC official identified as Nwokorie Anthony who together with few other staff of the commission were registering voters at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.

Two other affected staff of the commission are reportedly missing.

The unfortunate incident led to suspension of Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the affected LGA as announced in a statement by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye on Thursday.

READ ALSO: Plateau Killings: ‘There Are Moles Among Residents’

Condemning the attack, Mr. Ononugbo said the people who went to obtain their voter cards to be able to exercise their civic rights during elections and those registering them did nothing wrong to deserve such brutal attack.

He noted that the attack was simply intended to put fear in the minds of people and discourage them from participating in the exercise, adding that such incident poses big threat to the 2023 elections.

He said the security operatives are poorly mobilized which affects their operations.

The security expert also observed that there is no strong cohesion between residents of local communities and the security agencies which heavily impedes intelligence gathering that could help in putting measures to forestall attacks and apprehend culprits.

“There seems to be a disconnect between the government and the people. It’s people that provide information to the agencies, they are not spirits, but depend on intelligence and relevant information passed across to them by people in communities to be able to work.”

He stressed the need for bridging the gap between the people and the government to give the people a sense of responsibility to be able to cooperate with security agencies in tackling security challenges in the country.

Speaking further on the urgent need for restructuring the security system in the country, Ononugbo said putting in a place a robust community policing structure will go a long way in curbing criminalities, especially in local communities.

He concluded that there is also need for aggressive national reorientation on importance of patriotism to give people a sense of belonging in the country and collectively participate in the project of nation building.

victor ezeja
Correspondent at  |  + posts

Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.

Victor Ezeja

Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.

Abia Stakeholders, Politicians Drum Support For Abaribe Despite The Zoning Controversy
Previous Story

2023: Abia Stakeholders, Politicians Drum Support For Abaribe Despite The Zoning Controversy

Next Story

Easter: ‘Religious Leaders Should Set Moral Compass For Nation Building’

Featured Stories

Latest from News

Rivers State Gets New SSG as Fubara Appoints Anabraba

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has appointed Hon. Benibo Anabraba as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), succeeding Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo. The appointment was announced on Monday through a special statement from the Ministry of Information and Communications, signed

Hamas Frees Final Batch of Israeli Hostages Under Ceasefire Deal

Hamas has released the last group of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, marking the completion of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and prisoner-exchange deal that has drawn international attention and cautious relief among families. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday evening that

Renowned Evangelist Uma Ukpai Dies at 80

The family of renowned Nigerian evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has confirmed his passing. He died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. The announcement was made in an official statement
Abia Stakeholders, Politicians Drum Support For Abaribe Despite The Zoning Controversy
Previous Story

2023: Abia Stakeholders, Politicians Drum Support For Abaribe Despite The Zoning Controversy

Next Story

Easter: ‘Religious Leaders Should Set Moral Compass For Nation Building’

Don't Miss

BBN Doyin Set To Release Her First Documentary

BBN Doyin Set To Release Her First Documentary

Doyin David, a licensed medical radiographer and an ex-housemate of
How foreign direct investments are strengthening Dubai’s economy

How foreign direct investments are strengthening Dubai’s economy

By: Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai