A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aare Tunji Alapini, has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, arguing that concerns over potential abuse should not prevent the country from pursuing a reform that could significantly improve security and grassroots policing.

Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Wednesday, Alapini described the clamour for state police as a necessary step towards strengthening the nation's security architecture amid growing security challenges.

According to him, while the existing centralized policing system has not failed, there is room for improvement. 

He said the demand for state police reflects the desire of Nigerians to explore more effective ways of tackling crime and enhancing public safety.

The former police chief maintained that the country's security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence, require fresh approaches, stressing that experimenting with state police could yield long-term benefits.

Alapini dismissed concerns over funding and training deficiencies as reasons to reject the proposal, noting that such challenges have long affected the current policing system and should instead motivate efforts to build a stronger and more efficient police force.

He identified community policing as one of the strongest arguments in favour of state police, explaining that locally recruited officers would have a better understanding of their environment, making intelligence gathering and crime prevention more effective.

Drawing from his experience as former Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Alapini cited the traditional "Edionwere" community leadership structure, where local leaders keep track of residents and newcomers, as an example of grassroots security mechanisms that could be strengthened through community policing.

He argued that security would improve significantly if communities took greater responsibility for monitoring activities within their wards and reporting suspicious movements to authorities.

Addressing fears that governors could misuse state police for political purposes, the retired police officer acknowledged the concerns but insisted they should not derail the reform. 

He noted that allegations of political interference already exist under the current policing arrangement and can be addressed through appropriate safeguards.

Alapini expressed confidence that proposed state police structures would include independent commissions and screening processes for appointments, limiting the influence of governors and promoting accountability.

He also said responsibilities between federal and state police could be clearly defined, with federal police handling national assets and interstate crimes while state police focus on local security issues.

The retired police chief further advocated stronger prosecution of criminal offenders, arguing that swift and certain punishment remains a critical deterrent to crime. 

He commended efforts by some state governments to accelerate the trial of kidnapping and other violent crimes.