By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Thursday urged stakeholders at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit to ensure that the proposed state police system strengthens security without becoming a tool for political intimidation. Speaking at the summit themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” Kalu said Nigeria must adopt intelligence-driven policing, regional collaboration and constitutional reforms to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
State Police Must Serve the People
Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said Nigeria’s growing security challenges require coordinated action from governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
He stressed that any state police structure must operate with accountability, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.
According to him, decentralised policing should improve response time and strengthen the use of local intelligence. However, he insisted that state police must complement, not weaken, the Nigeria Police Force.
“The proposed establishment of state police must be anchored on accountability, professionalism and service to the people. It must never become a tool for political repression,” Kalu said.
House of Representatives Backs Security Reforms
The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to supporting security reforms through legislation, budget approvals and effective oversight.
He said lawmakers remain committed to ensuring that security funding delivers measurable improvements in public safety.
Kalu described the constitutional amendment proposing State Police Services and Other Related Services (HB 2797) as a critical step toward bringing policing closer to local communities.
Intelligence-Led Policing Should Replace Checkpoint Strategy
Kalu urged security agencies to reduce reliance on checkpoints and embrace modern security technologies.
He said criminal groups have become mobile and technologically advanced, making traditional checkpoint operations less effective.
According to him, security agencies should deploy:
- Drones
- Geospatial mapping
- Forensic technology
- Automated vehicle identification systems
- Emergency communication networks
- Professionally managed surveillance infrastructure
He added that technology alone cannot guarantee security without community support.
Community Trust Remains Essential
Kalu noted that residents often know when suspicious individuals enter forests or abandoned buildings become criminal hideouts.
He said people would only provide useful intelligence if authorities protect their identities and respond responsibly.
He therefore called for secure reporting channels and stronger collaboration with:
- Traditional rulers
- Town unions
- Youth organisations
- Women’s groups
- Transport unions
- Neighbourhood associations
South-East Needs Permanent Regional Security Coordination
The Deputy Speaker proposed the creation of a South-East Regional Security Coordination Council to improve collaboration among the region’s five states.
He also recommended a shared intelligence platform that would support:
- Joint intelligence sharing
- Coordinated interstate patrols
- Interoperable communication systems
- Shared databases of wanted criminals
- Faster emergency response
According to Kalu, criminal networks do not respect state boundaries, making regional cooperation essential.
Summit Should Deliver Action, Not Speeches
Kalu urged participants to ensure that the summit produces practical outcomes instead of another round of discussions.
He recommended that relevant institutions prepare a comprehensive regional security implementation plan within 60 days.
The proposed plan should clearly define:
- Responsible agencies
- Funding requirements
- Implementation timelines
- Performance indicators
He also suggested that stakeholders reconvene within six months to evaluate progress and measure results.
Tinubu Commended for Security Reforms
Kalu praised President Bola Tinubu for ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He specifically commended the Federal Government’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions and recruit about 28,000 additional personnel.
According to him, the expansion will improve operational capacity and reduce response times against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
Constitutional Debate on State Police Continues
Kalu’s remarks come as the National Assembly continues deliberations on several constitutional amendment bills, including proposals to establish state police.
Supporters believe decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering, community engagement and emergency response.
However, critics have warned that some state governments could misuse state-controlled police for political purposes.
The 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit was jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Defense and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East) to develop coordinated strategies for addressing insecurity across the region.
