In response to the escalating security challenges facing Nigeria, 16 state governors have rallied behind the establishment of state police forces.T
This development was disclosed during the 140th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
While 20 governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are yet to submit their positions on the matter, the governors who endorsed state police also called for a review of the Nigerian Constitution.
The clamor for state police has gained momentum amidst increasing incidents of kidnapping and banditry across the nation.
Regional socio-political groups and governors from various geopolitical zones have advocated for localized security outfits, such as Amotekun in the South-West and Ebube Agu in the South-East.
However, the effectiveness of these state-established security outfits has been hindered by the lack of federal government backing.
Calls persist for these outfits to be equipped with assault rifles to effectively combat armed criminal elements.