Nigerian states prepare for future local police services
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
Illustrative image · Tosin Superson · Pexels · Licence PexelsSeveral Nigerian states are considering turning existing security arrangements into local police services pending the constitutional reform taking effect. In Imo State, the government plans in particular to convert its vigilante group into a police service, according to Leadership.
Several Nigerian states are considering transforming existing security arrangements into local police services as Nigeria awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the State Police Bill, Leadership reports. Other states are developing new structures or waiting for the constitutional process to be completed. Personnel, vehicles, infrastructure and other resources already available could be integrated into the future services, depending on each state’s choices.
In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma plans to convert the existing vigilante arrangement into a police service. Information Commissioner Declan Emelumba said the officers would undergo selection, further training, medical examinations and background checks, while additional recruitment would address staffing needs. The government also wants to transform the Police College in Nekede into a training school for the Imo State Police and create a commission to oversee the new service.
The transition could differ from one state to another depending on recruitment criteria, training, funding and operational organisation, according to Leadership. In Imo State, vehicles used in the Search and Flush security operation are also to be assigned to the future police service.
The project comes as Nigeria is already preparing funding for its future state police, announced on 28 October 2026 in funding for its future state police. This step is part of the process surrounding the creation of police services under the states.
