08/04/2026
Sheikh Musa Aliyu, the President of the Taraba Muslims and Christians Consultative Forum, is advising the committee tasked with studying the creation of a state police force to focus on understanding the challenges faced by the police, rather than solely considering state or federal police. He highlights several key issues, including inadequate equipment, insufficient salaries, and lack of allowances for police officers.
Sheikh Musa Aliyu questions why states seeking their own police forces cannot also ensure that these officers are properly equipped and compensated, as the Nigerian constitution grants them the right to do so. He emphasizes the importance of security and acknowledges that states have pushed for the establishment of state police to protect their constituents.
However, he cautions that there is a risk of potential abuse, noting that some states may misuse state police to target opponents, similar to how they have employed vigilantes and volunteers in the past. Therefore, he urges the committee to thoroughly assess the risks associated with creating a state police force in order to mitigate any negative consequences.