Christopher Musa Warns Against Poor State Police Implementation

Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa has warned that state police could worsen insecurity if poorly introduced.

Speaking at the Arise TV Town Hall meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Christopher Musa said state police could become a major solution to Nigeria’s security challenges if authorities plan and manage it properly. However, he cautioned that weak execution could create serious problems.

Musa said, “State police is a good thing if well harnessed, planned, and executed, it could be the silver bullet that we need. But again, if not well executed, it could turn out to be the Hiroshima that we are afraid of.”

The minister stressed that any state police system must remain free from ethnic, religious, and elite influence. He explained that security structures should serve all citizens equally rather than promote the interests of specific groups.

According to him, “State police should not be ethnic-based, it must not be religion-based, and it must not be for the elite.” He suggested a gradual approach, beginning with state capitals, to identify operational difficulties before introducing the system across the country.

Musa also called on Nigerians to play an active role in national development. He said, “Most Nigerians want change, but they want somebody to change and not themselves. Every Nigerian must be the change that we so much desire.”

The minister recognised that Nigeria continues to face serious issues, including ethnic divisions, religious tensions, and elite interests. However, he praised the Nigeria Police Force for continuing its duties despite the difficult conditions surrounding its operations.

The debate over state police remains a key part of Nigeria’s security reform discussions, with supporters arguing it could improve local policing while critics highlight possible risks.

Do you believe state police can improve security in Nigeria if the right safeguards are introduced?