Senator Ita Enang, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former presidential aide, has thrown his weight behind the decentralisation of policing in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to grant states greater responsibility in managing internal security.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Enang—who previously opposed the concept of state policing—said his position had shifted due to Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape.
“Initially, I didn’t support state police,” he admitted.
“Sen. Ike Ekweremadu had always advocated for it, and I was opposed. But I am now a convert. I support it because our understanding of security has evolved, and accountability has become lopsided.”
He observed that while state governors are expected to provide logistical support to the police, their contributions remain voluntary. Yet, when there are security lapses, the President bears the brunt of public criticism, he noted.
“Governors are expected to support the police, but they do so voluntarily; not as an obligation. Yet, when security breaks down, it’s the President who gets the blame.”
Enang further called for increased attention and resources for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to bring it on par with other federal security outfits such as the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He advocated a balanced model in which state governments play a more active role in internal security, while the Federal Government maintains supervisory oversight to ensure standards and accountability.
“Let the states take up more responsibility for their internal security, with the Federal Government maintaining supervisory control to prevent abuse.”
However, he warned against unchecked powers for governors, citing historical precedents such as the Nigerian Civil War and more recent political crises in Ondo and Osun states.
“We must remember the era of regional autonomy that culminated in the Nigerian Civil War. There have also been political crises in states like Ondo and Osun that remind us of the risks.”
Enang stressed the need for a well-structured framework that allows states to operate their own police services without undermining national unity.
“There must be a balance. States should have their own police forces, but within a structure that ensures unity and federal oversight.”
