- Defence Minister Christopher Musa says state police could significantly improve Nigeria’s security if properly planned and implemented, but warned that poor execution could create serious problems
- He called for a gradual rollout free from ethnic, religious, or elite influence and urged Nigerians to take responsibility for driving positive change in the country.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has warned that although state police could strengthen the country’s security architecture, poor implementation could create serious consequences.
Speaking at an Arise TV Town Hall meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Musa described state police as a potential solution to Nigeria’s security challenges but cautioned against rushing its implementation.
“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,” he said.
The Defence Minister stressed that any state police system must not be driven by ethnic, religious, or elite interests.
“State police should not be ethnic-based, it must not be religion-based, and it must not be for the elite,” he said, recommending that the initiative be introduced gradually, beginning in state capitals before expanding nationwide.
Musa also urged Nigerians to play an active role in national development, saying meaningful change requires collective responsibility.
“Most Nigerians want change, but they want somebody to change and not themselves. Every Nigerian must be the change that we so much desire,” he added.
He acknowledged that Nigeria continues to grapple with ethnic divisions, religious sentiments, and elitist interests, but maintained that the Nigeria Police Force has continued to perform commendably despite the challenges.
Leave a Reply