Security experts urge reforms, state police as Nigeria tackles rising insecurity
Security experts, former governors, and policymakers gathered at a dialogue hosted by First Daily Media Network to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson warned that the military is overstretched, handling internal security duties that should belong to police, and urged tackling the root causes of crime rather than relying solely on force. Representatives from Bayelsa State government backed constitutional reforms to give governors greater security powers, including the creation of state police. Other panelists called for emergency funding for police and armed forces, intelligence-led and technology-driven strategies, and a whole-of-society approach involving communities, the media and citizens to combat terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence.
The dialogue highlighted that Nigeria’s security crisis affects daily life, disrupts businesses, and stretches the armed forces beyond their constitutional mandate. Participants agreed that lasting solutions require stronger institutions, increased investment in security, constitutional reforms for state police, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens.
Which security reform do you think would most improve safety in your community: establishing state police, increasing police and military funding, or expanding community-policing initiatives? Staying informed through reliable sources and supporting community safety efforts can help turn these discussions into action.