The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has renewed its call for the establishment of state police, insisting that it remains critical to addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges. The group argued that state-controlled policing would significantly limit the ability of terrorists and bandits to move freely across state borders after being dislodged by military operations.
Afenifere made this position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Ilesa, Osun State. The document was signed by the group’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and its Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye. The organisation faulted the National Assembly for what it described as unnecessary delays in creating state police structures, despite directives from the President.
According to the group, restructuring the Nigerian federation in line with true federalism remains the most effective governance model for the country. It stressed that state police are imperative to strengthening national security, noting that the current centralised policing system lacks local intelligence, community trust and operational depth.
Afenifere lamented that terrorists often relocate across states after military offensives, a situation it said could be reduced through state police with functional local government and community commands. It also strongly condemned calls for negotiations or amnesty for terrorists, describing such approaches as dangerous and tantamount to undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The group expressed concern over reports of armed criminals openly displaying high-calibre weapons during talks with government officials, warning that such actions weaken the authority of the state. It called on the international community to support Nigeria in confronting terrorism decisively.
On the political crisis in Rivers State, Afenifere cautioned that unresolved conflicts in one state could threaten democratic stability nationwide. It urged political actors in Rivers State to put public interest above personal ambition and work toward peace.
The organisation commended the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) for its intervention and appealed to all parties involved to cooperate with the Forum to restore stability.
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