● Magnus Onyibe’s 19-article collection argues for decentralized policing amid rising insecurity
Preparations are in top gear for the public presentation of “The Imperative of State Police in Nigeria”, a new book by media columnist and public policy analyst Magnus Onyibe.
The launch comes as President Bola Tinubu pushes the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow state police.
The book is being unveiled at a critical moment as killings, kidnappings, and banditry escalate nationwide.
What began in the North-East and North-Central has now spread to South-West states including Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo, with fears it could extend to Ogun and Lagos without urgent security reforms.
Recent abductions of school children in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and Uba Askira, Borno State, have intensified calls for change.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently disclosed that the Presidency and National Assembly are set to fast-track constitutional templates for state police structures.
—19 articles, 22 years of analysis—
The book compiles 19 thought-provoking articles written by Onyibe from 2002 to date. It chronicles the evolution of Nigeria’s security crisis and makes the case for state and local policing as a strategic response.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading thought leaders, Onyibe says the book assembles historical perspectives and policy recommendations to guide lawmakers amending the Constitution.
The foreword is by Prof. Anthony Kila, professor of strategy and public policy. The afterword is by retired AIG Tunji Alapini, a seasoned policing expert with extensive experience in internal security administration.
—Rooted in 1966 decree—
Onyibe traces Nigeria’s centralised policing to Unification Decree No. 2 of 1966, which abolished regional police after the military coup that ended the First Republic. He argues the structure is ill-equipped for today’s security threats.
The book aligns with Tinubu’s recent call for constitutional amendment to decentralize policing in order to protect national stability, economic growth, and social cohesion.
—Abuja launch, high-profile audience—
Date, venue and time are being finalised in consultation with National Assembly leadership, the IGP’s office, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Police Service Commission, and other security agencies.
The Abuja event will draw lawmakers, policymakers, security experts, civil society leaders, media practitioners, traditional rulers, diplomats, and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s security and governance ecosystem.
Onyibe says legislators at national and sub-national levels, plus security stakeholders, will find the book “invaluable in understanding the historical foundations of Nigeria’s current security crisis and the urgent necessity for institutional reforms.”
These information were contained in a press release signed by Tervel T. Kejih, Head, Communications & Media Relations, Inspire Media Services.
