The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria, KACRAN, has openly opposed the establishment of state police, citing financial burden and risk of political abuse as major impediments that can undermine operatives from enforcing law and order.
KACRAN made its position known through its national president, Khalil Moh’d Bello, in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the proposal has significant implications that could impact financial stability, administrative efficiency, and social harmony in the region.
“Establishing a state police force entails a substantial financial commitment. For example, a state with 15 local governments could require approximately 10 billion naira for initial setup costs, including recruitment, training, equipment, and infrastructure development. In larger states like Kano, these expenses could rise to about 30 billion naira.
“Additionally, maintaining such a force would demand around 3 billion naira monthly for salaries and operational costs. These expenditures could divert critical resources from essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are vital for the development and well-being of the region,” Bello said.
On job security and crime rates, the KACRAN national president expressed concern over the fate of recruited officers in case budget constraints and administrative changes may lead to job losses, which might push trained personnel to resort to criminal activities, potentially increasing crime rates within communities.
“The potential for political misuse of state police is a major concern. There is a risk that these forces could be used to serve the interests of local political leaders rather than the broader public, leading to the victimisation of opposition parties and creating an environment of lawlessness and anarchy.
“Such a scenario could undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in law enforcement,” he added.
Bello also opined that the creation of the state police could weaken the existing Nigeria Police Force by drawing away experienced officers, expressing concern that this shift could compromise the effectiveness of national policing efforts, leading to reduced coordination and communication between state and federal law enforcement agencies.
He, on behalf of KACRAN, advocated for redirecting resources towards initiatives that promote sustainable development and long-term prosperity for Northern states.
“KACRAN proposes the establishment of a Security Foundation Fund, where at least N50 million would be donated monthly to support law enforcement personnel.
“This fund would cover medical care for officers injured in the line of duty, support their families during recovery, and provide financial assistance in the event of a death,” he said.
KACRAN called on the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Consultative Forum, emirs, and all Northern leaders to oppose the establishment of state police.