Stakeholders, at a Dialogue on State Policing in Nigeria, called for strong accountability measures to prevent abuse in adopting proposed state policing structure.

The Country Director of BudgIT Foundation⁠, Vahyala Kwaga, at the dialogue in Abuja, said many Nigerians are worried and concerned that state police could be misused by those in power.

Kwaga said citizens, independent monitors and other institutions should be involved in supervising police activities and handling complaints against officers.

Also, Stakeholder Manager at BudgIT Foundation⁠, Andrew Orlando, said participants at the meeting hoped to produce resolutions and recommendations that would guide government on the issue.

Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria⁠, Odeh Friday, emphasized that Nigerians would only trust security institutions that operate with accountability, transparency and respect for citizens’ rights.

The dialogue themed: “Devolution of Policing in Nigeria: Pathway to Effective and Accountable State Policing,” brought together police professionals, civil society groups and security experts to discuss the future of policing in Nigeria.