KACRAN To Northern Governors:Drop The Idea Of Establishing State Police

By Bukar BOLORI

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on governors of states in the north not to consider the agitation for the establishment of state police in the country especially in the north.

The association in a statement by its National President, Khalil Bello said should state police be established in the north, it would not solve the challenges of insecurity but rather add other challenges.

The statement read: “Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) wishes to express its deep concerns and firm opposition to the proposed establishment of State Police in Northern Nigeria. This proposal has significant implications that could impact financial stability, administrative efficiency, and social harmony in the region.”

The association added that key concerns over the establishment of state police include financial burden, insisting that establishing a State Police force entails a substantial financial commitment.

“For example, a state with 15 local governments could require approximately 10 billion Naira for initial setup costs, including recruitment, training, equipment, and infrastructure development. In larger states like Kano, these expenses could rise to about 30 billion Naira. Additionally, maintaining such a force would demand around 3 billion Naira monthly for salaries and operational costs. These expenditures could divert critical resources from essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are vital for the development and well-being of the region.”

Bello, added in the statement that there is concern over job security and crime rates, noting there lis a significant concern regarding the job security of newly recruited officers. If budget constraints or administrative changes lead to job losses, these trained individuals might resort to criminal activities, potentially increasing crime rates within communities. Ensuring stable employment for these officers is crucial to maintaining peace and security.

He added that the impact on state police on national police is another concern as the creation of State Police could weaken the existing Nigeria Police Force (NPF) by drawing away experienced officers.

“This shift could compromise the effectiveness of national policing efforts, leading to reduced coordination and communication between state and federal law enforcement agencies.”

He further raised the alarm that state police may be opened to political abuse, insisting that: “The potential for political misuse of State Police is a major concern. There is a risk that these forces could be used to serve the interests of local political leaders rather than the broader public, leading to the victimization of opposition parties and creating an environment of lawlessness and anarchy. Such a scenario could undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in law enforcement.”

Bello said KACRAN have the following questions for proponents of State Police in Northern Nigeria, where the issue or ₦70,000 minimum wage is still being debated:

“Where will the funding for State Police come from? Will it be a permanent special grant from the Federal Government? If so, what happens if that funding is discontinued?

“In the event of a budget deficit, what will happen to conventional civil servants and retirees?

“Looking ahead 37 years, what will be the impact on the North if State Police are established and then retire or resign? Some states in the Northeast already have over 15,000 retirees, exceeding their active workforce.

“Why do State Governments prefer relying on force to address security issues instead of investing in social services and creating an enabling environment for businesses to empower our youth?”