Senator Sani Hanga of Kano Central has voiced strong opposition to the proposed creation of state police, arguing that the plan poses a serious risk to national stability. He spoke during a media chat in Kano on Sunday, where he described the idea as dangerous and likely to inflame political tensions across the country.
He warned that handing police powers to state governments could turn Nigeria into a police-controlled environment in which governors use armed personnel to intimidate opponents and silence critics. He pointed to recent political and traditional disputes in Kano, saying rival groups would have deployed state-controlled forces against one another if such a system had been in place.
Hanga noted that the centralised structure of the police had helped prevent confrontations from escalating. He argued that political competition at state level would become more volatile once leaders gain control of armed units that answer directly to them.
He also questioned the financial capacity of many states, reminding the public that several governors already struggle to pay salaries. He said creating, training and arming a state police force without reliable funding would be reckless, adding that unpaid armed officers could pose a grave threat to ordinary citizens.
Hanga, who serves on the Senate’s constitutional amendment steering committee, expressed confidence that the proposal would encounter strong resistance in the National Assembly. He said governors may back the idea out of fear or political pressure, but lawmakers hold the responsibility of constitutional review and many remain unconvinced.
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Turning to broader security matters, he faulted the Federal Government’s directive withdrawing police escorts from VIPs. He said lawmakers face growing hostility from the public and that the measure could expose elected officials to attacks.
Hanga restated his support for democratic rule and rejected any form of unconstitutional takeover of government across Africa. He urged leaders to strengthen institutions and allow legislatures and ministries to operate without interference.
According to him, Nigeria would be better served by improving funding for existing security agencies, enforcing accountability and sustaining democratic norms rather than building state-controlled police forces that could deepen divisions and heighten insecurity.
