Senate and CDS Push for Community Policing: A Turning Point for Nigeria’s Security?
As insecurity continues to plague various parts of Nigeria—from banditry in the North-West to clashes in the Middle Belt—key voices in the nation’s leadership are calling for a new direction. In a significant development this week, the Nigerian Senate, along with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has reiterated its strong support for community policing as a long-term solution to the country’s growing security challenges.
What Is Community Policing—and Why Now?
Community policing is a strategy that emphasizes local participation in security, trust-building between residents and law enforcement, and tailored crime prevention strategies that suit specific communities. Unlike the traditional top-down policing structure, this approach empowers communities to take an active role in their own safety.
Given the rising rates of rural attacks, kidnapping, and urban crime, lawmakers believe that a localized, people-driven approach is more sustainable and effective.
“Security begins with the people. We must decentralize the Nigerian Police Force to allow for better accountability, local intelligence, and immediate response,” said Senator Ajibola Basiru during the recent Senate session.
What the Senate Is Proposing
The Senate has already taken legislative steps to make community policing a reality. Here’s what’s on the table:
Creation of Zonal Security Advisory Committees that include governors, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders.
Empowerment of local police forums to help detect, prevent, and mediate crimes before they escalate.
Legislative push for decentralization, granting zonal police commands more autonomy in operations and budgeting.
Enabling State Houses of Assembly to enact local laws to support community policing and allocate funding from local government budgets.
Chief of Defence Staff Joins the Call
While not a senator, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has echoed similar sentiments in recent months. He emphasized the need for:
Technology-driven surveillance and early threat detection tools.
Closer collaboration between federal security forces and local authorities.
Human intelligence development that starts from the community level.
General Musa believes that no matter how well trained the military is, lasting peace must come from within the community. His comments align closely with the Senate’s push for legal and policy backing.
Potential Benefits of Community Policing
If successfully implemented, community policing could:
Reduce response time to incidents
Increase local trust in law enforcement
Improve intelligence gathering
Reduce overreliance on federal forces
Create more tailored security solutions for each region
But There Are Risks Too…
Critics warn that unless properly regulated, community policing could be politicized. State governors might misuse local police for personal or political gain. Others worry about uneven funding and training, which could make some community units ineffective.
This is why checks, balances, and independent oversight bodies must be embedded in the final legislation.
Conclusion
The call for community policing marks a major policy shift in Nigeria’s security strategy. It’s no longer just about firepower or central command—it’s about returning power to the people, fostering trust, and building a security network that reflects the realities on the ground.
If passed and well-executed, this could be the game-changing solution Nigeria desperately needs.
