A security expert and Chief Executive Officer of Philip Smith Security Limited, Dr. Chidi Okoye, has described the planned creation of state police as a welcome idea, but said the framework must be well detailed and articulated by professionals and security experts for maximum and intended benefits.
He suggested engagement of foreign police departments as consultants to help develop the framework and train personnel at state and national level; because of the need to be careful with feared political influence against opponents; especially during elections.
Dr. Okoye also advocate that the control of state police should be at the zonal/ regional levels to reduce absolutist tendencies of state governors.
Referencing reported bloody raid of Nimbo community in Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State by herdsmen seven years ago; even when there was intelligence on arrival and camping of suspicious elements in the community bushes, Dr. Okoye regretted that the Nigerian police and army couldn’t do anything because they were waiting for signals from Abuja.
He insisted that with the size of Nigeria population, land mass and level of criminality herring, the creation of state police is necessary in curtailing criminal activities.