SECURITY WATCH: WACORPAI Rejects State Police Proposal, Warns of Increased Lawlessness
SECURITY WATCH: WACORPAI Rejects State Police Proposal, Warns of Increased Lawlessness
KANO — As the debate over decentralized policing intensifies across the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, the Wazobia Conflict Resolution and Peace Advocacy Initiative (WACORPAI) has officially waded into the fray, voicing strong opposition to the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.
In an open letter addressed to the Presidency and the National Assembly dated April 7, 2026, the Kano-based advocacy group warned that the move could inadvertently worsen the country’s security crisis rather than solve it.
The Case Against State Police
WACORPAI, led by its National President and Convener, Comrade Amb. Dr. Garba Sulieman Marafa, cited the current "landscape of lawlessness and corruption" as a primary reason for their stance. The group outlined three "red flags" regarding the proposal:
Immunity Conflicts: Concerns that legal immunities, whether at the state or federal level, could lead to jurisdictional clashes and abuse of power.
Interagency Rivalry: The fear that introducing state-controlled forces would trigger friction with existing federal security agencies.
Management Gaps: Doubts regarding the ability of state governments to effectively control and fund these units without them becoming tools for political intimidation.
The Proposed Alternative
Instead of creating a new tier of policing, WACORPAI is urging the Federal Government to look inward and empower existing grassroots structures. The group recommends:
Strengthening Paramilitaries: Providing more support to current federal security arms.
Empowering Local Actors: Integrating vigilante groups and neighborhood watches into a more formal community safety framework.
Root Cause Focus: Prioritizing solutions that address the socio-economic drivers of insecurity.
A voice for Deeper Consultation
The letter, which was also copied to critical stakeholders and media houses, emphasized that Nigeria belongs to everyone and that the challenges facing the nation are "clear to everyone."
"We urge the leadership to prioritize effective security solutions that address the root causes of insecurity and recommend further consultations with stakeholders to explore alternative solutions," Marafa stated.
The intervention by WACORPAI adds a significant voice from Northern Nigeria to the growing national discourse, as lawmakers weigh the pros of localized security against the cons of potential regional overreach.
Reported by Matters Arising 6060
April 10, 2026

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