State policing in Nigeria: A historic step forward in the digital age

I welcome the recent progress made toward the establishment of State Police in Nigeria, following the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the passage of the constitutional amendment bill by the National Assembly. This development represents one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history and reflects a growing recognition that the country’s security architecture must evolve to meet contemporary realities.

For nearly a decade, from the early years of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to the present day, I have consistently advocated for State Policing from a technology leadership, governance, and security management perspective. Through my published articles, policy commentaries, and public engagements, I have argued that the security challenges of the Digital Age require a more decentralised, intelligence-driven, community-focused, and technologically enabled policing framework.

My position has never been based on politics. It has always been based on the realities of security management, leadership, and emerging technological opportunities.

The security threats confronting Nigeria today—including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, communal conflicts, and organised criminal networks—have stretched the capacity of a highly centralised policing structure. A nation of Nigeria’s size, diversity, and complexity requires a security framework capable of responding rapidly to local realities while remaining coordinated at the national level.

The proposed dual policing structure involving Federal and State Police formations provides an opportunity to build stronger community intelligence, faster operational responses, better local accountability, and improved protection of lives and property.

However, the creation of State Police must not simply be viewed as the creation of additional policing institutions. It must be understood as an opportunity to build what I have long described as a Technology-Enabled State Policing Framework for the Digital Age.

I therefore advocate the integration of:

– Artificial Intelligence-driven security intelligence.

– Digital forensic capabilities.

– Real-time crime analytics.

– Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

– Community intelligence platforms.

– Cybersecurity operations.

– Smart surveillance systems.

– Data-driven decision making.

– Inter-agency information sharing frameworks.

– Robust accountability and oversight mechanisms.

Technology must become the multiplier that transforms State Police from a traditional force into a modern public safety institution.

I also reiterate my long-standing recommendation for a carefully coordinated security model that preserves the strengths of federal policing while empowering state-level security operations. Such a model can improve effectiveness without compromising national unity.

As this constitutional process continues through the required stages, including consideration by the State Houses of Assembly, stakeholders must focus on professionalism, accountability, training, human rights protection, sustainable funding, and technological readiness.

Today, I am encouraged that an idea once viewed by some as distant or controversial is now gaining national consensus. This moment demonstrates that thoughtful policy advocacy, sustained dialogue, and evidence-based leadership can contribute meaningfully to national development.

I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, security sector reform advocates, governors, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders who have contributed to this national conversation.

Nigeria’s security future belongs, not merely to stronger policing but, to smarter policing.

The Digital Age demands nothing less.

. Professor Ademola, first African Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, Global Education Advocate, Chartered Manager, UK Digital Journalist, Strategic Advisor & Prophetic Mobiliser for National Transformation, public intellectual, and African governance thinker and General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas