Five state governments have expressed readiness to transform their existing security outfits into state police once the constitutional and legal process creating the new policing system is completed.
The move follows the House of Representatives’ approval of an Executive Bill aimed at establishing state police, a major step toward decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture.
States including Ondo, Kaduna, Anambra, Zamfara and Abia say they intend to build the proposed state police on already existing security agencies rather than create entirely new organisations.
Officials in the states argue that the existing outfits already possess trained personnel, operational structures and local intelligence networks, making them better suited for a smooth transition. They also believe adopting the agencies would reduce costs and speed up implementation.
In Ondo State, government officials said the Amotekun Corps has the manpower, experience and institutional framework needed to evolve into a state police force. They noted that officers of the corps have developed strong community relationships and an understanding of local security challenges.
Kaduna State is considering using the Kaduna State Vigilance Service as the foundation for its state police. The government said it has strengthened the agency’s legal framework and operational procedures while continuing to train personnel in preparation for the proposed policing system.
Similarly, Zamfara State said its Civilian Protection Guards could be converted into state police, citing the outfit’s experience in tackling insecurity across the state.
The Anambra State Government also indicated that its Agunechemba security outfit could be restructured to perform the functions of state police, while the Abia State Government said it may integrate its Homeland Security outfit with community vigilante groups under the new policing arrangement.
However, several other states said they would wait until the constitutional process is completed before deciding on their implementation plans.
Bayelsa, Imo, Ekiti, Ogun, Benue, Kebbi, Sokoto and Yobe said they would study the final provisions of the law before determining whether existing security outfits would be absorbed into state police structures.
Bayelsa officials said no formal decision had been taken on the future of the state’s vigilante service, while Imo maintained that preparations would begin only after presidential assent and the release of implementation guidelines.
Ekiti also stressed that it would not speculate on the structure of the proposed state police until the legislation is fully enacted, while Ogun said any future integration of Amotekun, the So-Safe Corps or vigilante groups would depend on the provisions of the law.
Meanwhile, Delta State has adopted a different approach. The state government said it plans to establish an entirely new state police structure instead of converting existing vigilante groups or security outfits. It added that police headquarters have already been approved for construction in all 25 local government areas to support the proposed system once the legislation becomes law.
