By Isiaka Mustapha , Abuja
Former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has expressed support for the establishment of state police but cautioned that the success of the initiative will depend largely on the ability of state governments to provide adequate funding, training, and operational support.
Abubakar noted that while the creation of state police could strengthen grassroots security and improve law enforcement at the local level, concerns remain over whether state governments possess the financial resources and institutional capacity required to maintain effective policing structures.
According to him, policing is a highly demanding and capital-intensive responsibility that requires sustained investment in personnel, equipment, logistics, welfare, and training.
He stressed that state governments must be prepared to commit substantial resources to ensure that their police formations are professionally managed, adequately equipped, properly trained, and effectively supervised in line with the laws of the federation.
“The main concern is whether the states, particularly the governors, will be able to provide the level of support expected. If the Federal Government has faced challenges in adequately funding, equipping, and training the police, can the states guarantee that their police services will be well-equipped, well-trained, well-organised, and properly supervised in accordance with the law?” he asked.
To address potential funding challenges, the former police chief proposed the establishment of dedicated security financing mechanisms across the states.
“I would expect each state to establish a Police Trust Fund or a Security Trust Fund to ensure that sufficient resources are available to support the operations of state police and other security initiatives,” he said.
Speaking on the relationship between federal and state police formations, Abubakar explained that the proposed legal framework clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of both institutions to prevent conflicts and overlaps.
He stated that the Federal Police would retain responsibility for enforcing federal laws, safeguarding federal assets and infrastructure, and combating major crimes such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other threats with national implications.
In contrast, state police would focus on maintaining law and order within their jurisdictions, conducting routine criminal investigations, and responding to local security concerns that directly affect communities.
Abubakar further emphasised the importance of maintaining uniform national standards in critical areas such as police welfare, operational procedures, funding, discipline, and community engagement.
At the same time, he advocated for sufficient flexibility to allow state police commands to adapt their operations to local cultural, social, and security realities, thereby improving effectiveness and public trust.
