As debates over the creation of state police continue across Nigeria, a new analysis suggests that establishing and sustaining a functional state policing system could require tens of billions of naira in initial investment and recurring annual expenditure.
The analysis, based on globally referenced police-to-population benchmarks and current estimates for police training and operational equipment in Nigeria, indicates that a medium-sized state with a population of five million people could require nearly N50 billion simply to recruit, train and equip a police force, excluding infrastructure, salaries, vehicles, weapons and technology.
The issue of state policing has gained renewed attention amid growing concerns over insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other violent crimes across different parts of the country.
Proponents argue that state-controlled police formations would improve local intelligence gathering, enhance response times and complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force.
However, questions remain about funding, operational independence and sustainability.
