The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has cautioned the federal government and the National Assembly against hastily amending the Constitution to create state police, insisting that broader consultations must be conducted before any final decision is reached.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council acknowledged that Nigeria was experiencing one of its most severe security crises, with thousands of lives lost, millions of people displaced and extensive damage inflicted on farms, businesses and livelihoods.
The council, however, maintained that although all genuine efforts aimed at improving security should be supported, the establishment of state police should not be treated as a “quick fix” to the country’s security challenges.
It stated that the weaknesses affecting the current security system were largely linked to factors such as inadequate funding, corruption, shortage of personnel, poor welfare conditions, ineffective intelligence gathering, outdated equipment and weak coordination among security agencies.
According to the council, these existing problems would not automatically be resolved by transferring policing authority to state governments. It instead called for urgent reforms aimed at strengthening and improving the capacity of existing security institutions.
SCSN urged the government to increase security funding, recruit additional personnel, adopt modern technology, enhance intelligence operations and improve border security. It also called for greater accountability and professionalism among security agencies.
The council further raised concerns over what it described as the speed of the constitutional amendment process, stressing that changes affecting Nigeria’s security structure must be preceded by extensive national consultations, transparent public hearings and agreement among key stakeholders.
It expressed disappointment over the manner in which the National Assembly was handling the process, saying many Nigerians felt the exercise had not met the expected standards of openness, inclusiveness and wide-ranging consultation required for such a major constitutional matter.
However, the council praised lawmakers who advocated for due process and broader engagement, describing their stance as a reflection of democratic principles and the national interest.
The SCSN also warned against the possibility of state police being used as tools for political intimidation or discrimination, noting that Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and political diversity demands a security system that provides equal protection for every citizen.
It called for strong constitutional protections, independent oversight bodies, transparent and merit-based recruitment procedures, professional training, effective complaint mechanisms, judicial and legislative supervision, sustainable funding and clear safeguards against the misuse of authority before any state police system is introduced.
The council urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership, state governments and other relevant stakeholders to complete thorough nationwide consultations and address public concerns before moving ahead with any constitutional amendment concerning state police.
