Expedite State Police creation – Crisis Centre urges stakeholders

…Calls for proper equipment, professionalism and safeguards

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

ABUJA — The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has urged State Houses of Assembly and other stakeholders to fast-track the establishment of state police, saying the country’s worsening insecurity makes the initiative more urgent than ever.

Chairman of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (retd.), made the call while presenting the Centre’s Second Quarter 2026 Security Sentiment Analysis and Perception Index in Abuja.

He said growing public support for state policing reflects the need for a more responsive security architecture capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

“Considering the growing public consensus that state policing represents a more responsive and effective approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, the Centre reiterates its support for the establishment of state police as part of broader security sector reforms,” Olukolade said.

He added that the constitutional, legal and institutional framework for establishing state police should not be subjected to unnecessary delays, while adequate safeguards must be put in place to ensure professionalism, accountability and protection against abuse.

The report, prepared by the Centre’s research arm, the Crisis Communication Hub (CCH), assessed Nigeria’s security, conflict and information environment during the second quarter of 2026.

It expressed concern over what it described as the convergence of worsening insecurity, widespread disinformation, economic hardship and rising ethno-religious polarisation, warning that the combination poses a serious threat to national stability and social cohesion.

According to the report, Nigeria’s security situation deteriorated during the period, particularly in June 2026, with persistent terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings, banditry, farmer-herder clashes, the resurgence of extremist groups and the growing use of artificial intelligence-driven disinformation campaigns.

While commending the Armed Forces and other security agencies for rescuing kidnapped victims and disrupting terrorist activities, the Centre noted that criminal groups were constantly adapting their tactics, making it imperative for security agencies to adopt more coordinated, intelligence-driven and technology-driven responses.

The report also warned of an unprecedented rise in fake news, manipulated multimedia content and AI-generated disinformation capable of eroding public confidence in government institutions and undermining security operations.

It cautioned that the spread of false information and hate speech could become more dangerous as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

The Centre further observed that worsening economic conditions, rising food insecurity and persistent inflation were increasing public frustration and social vulnerability.

It also expressed concern over reported restrictions on press freedom and the misuse of existing laws against journalists, warning that such actions could undermine democratic governance and public accountability.

The report identified the growing exploitation of ethnic and religious identities for political purposes as another disturbing trend, warning that divisive rhetoric could heighten tensions ahead of the 2027 elections if left unchecked.

To address the challenges, the Centre urged the Federal Government and security agencies to invest in specialised training, improved operational capacity, modern equipment and enhanced rescue strategies to strengthen responses to kidnapping and other security threats.

It also advised the media, public commentators and social media users to avoid sensationalising kidnapping incidents and ongoing rescue operations, stressing that only verified information should be disseminated to prevent panic and deny criminals undue publicity.

The Centre further urged political leaders to refrain from exploiting ethnic and religious differences for political gain and instead promote national unity, responsible leadership and peaceful coexistence.

It called on government institutions, security agencies, political parties, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to work together to combat misinformation, strengthen responsible public communication and promote national cohesion.

According to the Centre, addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach anchored on professionalism, strategic communication, intelligence-led operations, responsible leadership and active citizen participation.

It pledged to continue supporting evidence-based policy engagement, strategic communication and conflict prevention initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable peace and national resilience.