The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has cautioned against what it described as a hurried constitutional amendment to establish state police, urging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to undertake broader consultations before making a final decision on the proposed reform.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council said it had been closely monitoring the ongoing national debate and legislative process surrounding the creation of state police. It described the issue as one with significant implications for justice, national unity and the country’s future.
The Council acknowledged that Nigeria is experiencing one of the worst security crises in its history, marked by the loss of thousands of lives, the displacement of millions of people and widespread destruction of agriculture, businesses and livelihoods. It noted that many communities continue to live under the constant threat of insecurity.
While expressing support for genuine efforts aimed at improving national security, the SCSN stressed that state police should not be regarded as an immediate or all-encompassing solution to the country’s security challenges.
According to the Council, the shortcomings of the current security architecture stem primarily from inadequate funding, corruption, insufficient manpower, poor welfare for security personnel, weak intelligence gathering, obsolete equipment and ineffective coordination among security agencies.
It argued that transferring policing powers to state governments would not automatically resolve these structural challenges. Instead, the Council said the government’s priority should be comprehensive reforms that strengthen existing security institutions through improved funding, increased recruitment, modern technology, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger border security, greater accountability and higher professional standards.
The SCSN also expressed concern over what it described as the apparent haste with which constitutional amendments on state police are being pursued. It maintained that reforms affecting Nigeria’s security framework should undergo extensive national consultations, transparent public hearings and broad stakeholder consensus before any constitutional changes are made.
The Council further criticized the National Assembly’s handling of the process, saying many Nigerians believe the proceedings have not met the standards of openness, inclusiveness and thorough consultation expected for a constitutional amendment of such national importance.
However, it commended lawmakers who have advocated due process, wider public engagement and the protection of the national interest, describing their position as a reflection of democratic representation.
The Council also warned against the potential misuse of state police as instruments of political intimidation or discrimination. It said Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and political diversity requires a policing system that guarantees equal protection and justice for all citizens under the Constitution.
To safeguard against possible abuse, the SCSN called for strong constitutional protections, independent oversight institutions, transparent and merit-based recruitment, professional training standards, effective public complaints mechanisms, judicial and legislative oversight, sustainable funding and firm legal guarantees before any state police structure is introduced.
The Council urged President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, state governments and other relevant stakeholders to complete comprehensive nationwide consultations and address the concerns raised by Nigerians before proceeding with any constitutional amendment establishing state police.
It concluded by praying that Almighty Allah grants Nigeria’s leaders the wisdom and sincerity to make decisions that will strengthen justice, preserve national unity and restore lasting peace and security across the country.