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State policing gains support as 16 governors back initiative – NEC
In a bid to address the increasing insecurity challenges across the nation, 16 state governors have come together to show their support for the establishment of state police.
The National Economic Council (NEC) revealed this development during its 140th meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and held virtually.
Out of the 36 states, 20 governors and the FCT are still in the process of submitting their endorsements, as confirmed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, after the meeting.
Moreover, the governors who had already submitted their proposals are also pushing for a review of the Nigerian Constitution.
Additionally, the NEC has received a summarised report from the ad-hoc committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, which highlighted the areas of oil leakages within the industry, emphasising the need for political will to drive necessary reforms.
READ ALSO: Reps support bill to establish state police
The urgency for state police has been amplified amidst the country’s escalating security threats, such as kidnapping and banditry.
Various political and regional groups, including Governors from the PDP and socio-political associations like Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have reiterated the importance of state police as a viable solution to the prevailing security challenges facing the nation.
Presently, states in the South-West have initiated the Amotekun security outfit, while states in the South-East have established Ebube Agu. In the North Central region, the Benue Guards operate, and states like Katsina and Zamfara, known for banditry, have also set up similar security outfits.
However, the impact of these state-established security units has been limited due to the lack of Federal Government support.
There’s a growing demand for outfits like Amotekun and Ebube Agu to be equipped with assault rifles like AK-47s to effectively combat armed assailants.
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