By Muhammad Abubakar
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has cautioned against the proposed creation of state police, saying it should not be seen as a quick solution to the country’s security challenges.
In a press statement issued on July 30, 2026, the Council acknowledged Nigeria’s worsening security situation but argued that the problems facing the nation’s security architecture are rooted in inadequate funding, corruption, poor welfare for personnel, weak intelligence, obsolete equipment and ineffective coordination.
The Council called for comprehensive reforms of existing security institutions rather than an immediate transfer of policing powers to state governments. It also expressed concern over what it described as the apparent haste in pursuing constitutional amendments on the matter, urging broader public consultations and national consensus before any decision is taken.
SCSN further warned that without strong constitutional safeguards, independent oversight, transparent recruitment and accountability mechanisms, state police could become instruments of political intimidation and abuse of power.
The Council appealed to the President, the National Assembly, state governments and other stakeholders to ensure that the concerns of Nigerians are adequately addressed before proceeding with the proposed reform. The statement was signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Malam Nafi’u Baba Ahmad, mni.