By Newsworld

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed reservations over the proposed establishment of state police, warning that the initiative could be exploited by state governors for political purposes if adequate safeguards are not put in place.

Kwankwaso, who is also the national leader of the Kwankwassiyya Movement, made the remarks during an interview with News Central TV on Thursday night. He argued that the renewed calls for state police stem partly from leadership failures, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where insecurity has continued to pose significant challenges.

“There is a huge leadership failure in Northern Nigeria. State police is as a result of that failure,” Kwankwaso said.

While acknowledging the security concerns driving the debate, the former Kano State governor cautioned that the creation of state-controlled police formations could have unintended consequences if not properly regulated.

“There are so many dangers associated with state police. The governors would want to use them for political protection,” he stated.

Kwankwaso warned that, without strong oversight and constitutional safeguards, state police could become instruments of political intimidation in the hands of elected officials rather than agencies focused solely on law enforcement and public safety.

He also expressed concern over the potential proliferation of firearms if state police forces are established across the country, urging the Federal Government to exercise caution in implementing the proposal.

“The government must not allow the circulation of small arms just like that,” he warned.

The debate over state police has intensified in recent months following legislative efforts to decentralise policing in Nigeria, with supporters arguing that it would improve local security and response to crime, while critics fear it could be abused for political and partisan interests.