State Police: SPRiNG Holds Workshop to Advance Evidence-based Security Reforms 

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has convened a high-level dissemination workshop and policy dialogue on the policy paper: “State Police in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges,” as part of plans to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

The programme brought together senior security actors, policymakers, development partners, and experts to advance informed dialogue on policing reform.

The SPRiNG Programme is a four-year initiative (2024-2028) funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) implemented by Tetra Tech International Development, in partnership with Nextier SPD (Nextier), the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).

The programme, according to a statement in Abuja, aims to enhance institutional capacity for conflict management and response, boost public confidence in key institutions, and create greater incentives for peace in Nigeria.

The workshop, at the weekend, provided a critical platform for examining the opportunities, risks, and institutional requirements associated with the ongoing national debate on state policing, against the backdrop of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Participants at the event included a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mohammed Usman Gumel, who represented the Inspector General of Police; Pirmah Rimdans, Conflict Adviser at the British High Commission and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ogbonnaya Nwota, Director of Research and Planning at the National Institute of Police Studies.

Also in attendance were:  DCC Onyeogu Benedicta, Head of Department for Local Training at the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Chris Ngwodo, DG of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), among other senior stakeholders.

Presenting the policy paper, the author, Prof. Etannibi Alemika, a leading authority on criminology and security governance, outlined the paper’s key findings, highlighting the potential benefits of state policing while drawing attention to critical concerns around constitutional safeguards, accountability, funding, inter-agency coordination, and the risk of political interference.

Speaking at the event, the Team Leader of SPRiNG, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo emphasised the importance of grounding security reforms in evidence and inclusive dialogue, saying that the conversation on state policing must go beyond political rhetoric.

“It requires careful consideration of accountability, human rights protections, and institutional capacity. Through this policy paper, SPRiNG is supporting a more informed, evidence-driven national dialogue that prioritises citizen safety, trust, and sustainable peace,” Ukiwo stated.

In their remarks, speakers underscored that while decentralised policing may offer opportunities for improved local responsiveness and community trust, its success depends on strong legal frameworks, institutional oversight, and effective coordination across federal and state governments and security actors.

The event concluded with an interactive plenary discussion, during which participants engaged with the paper’s recommendations, raising critical questions and sharing insights on state capacity, community relations, and lessons from comparative policing systems.

The statement said that through the dissemination workshop, SPRiNG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence-based policymaking, inclusive engagement, and collaborative approaches to security sector reform in Nigeria.

The programme, it said, continues to work with government institutions, civil society, and development partners to strengthen peace, resilience, and trust between citizens and the state.