Act fast on State Police, Former DSS Assistant Director asks governors

Adams Abuh, a former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), has urged the 20 governors who have yet to accept the creation of state police to act quickly.

Abuh, speaking in an interview with Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, said the country’s rising security concerns of banditry and kidnapping required an immediate reaction from the federal and state administrations.

He also said that Nigerian security officers were disadvantaged since they lacked the necessary instruments to respond to emergency calls on time.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force has been understaffed, with unserviceable cars, logistical issues, little funds, and low pay, among other things.

He said these factors had been responsible for the poor response time of security agencies to distress calls.

Abuh said: “There are still so many things that have been left undone before we even get to the issue of the citizens carrying arms to protect themselves.

“We have been discussing about state police. A lot of open spaces that have not been policed properly in our country still exist. And there has been unanimous calls over the years for state police. Why have we not taken advantage of that option? And the earlier we do it, the better.

“I am aware that while the National Assembly and even the government is ready, just a few states are ready to agree to state police. The earlier they agree to do it the better.”

Recall that discussions concerning state police have gained traction in recent weeks, with certain governors and regional socio-political groupings, including as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Middle Belt Forum, claiming it will stop the worrisome trend of kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes.

There are already state-owned security outfits in approximately 23 states, including the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno State, the Amotekun Corps in the South-West geopolitical zone, the Benue Guards in the North Central State, the Community Protection Guards in Zamfara, the Community Watch Corps in Katsina, the Neighbourhood Watch in Plateau, and state-backed vigilante outfits in Niger and Bauchi, among others.