Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) has rejected the clamour for the creation of state police in Nigeria.
Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, stated this on Sunday while visiting troubled communities in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau.
There is an increased presence of bandits in Garga, Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau, Dungur and Shuwaka communities of the council area.
Kidnapping for ransom and other forms of criminality have become recurring incidents in these affected communities, heightening fears among residents.
Gagdi, instead, advocated more funding for conventional security agencies, stressing that state police would not resolve Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.
He argued that governors would likely misuse state police, employing them against perceived political enemies rather than for genuine security and peace.
“My position, even on the House floor, is that governors will misuse state police, particularly against political opponents, not to maintain peace and order.
“I say this without fear of contradiction or political misrepresentation. Nigeria is not ripe for proliferation of security agencies.
“Rather, I support strengthening existing security agencies. Fund the police, military, Department of State Services and others adequately, and ensure accountability,” Gagdi stressed.
He maintained his stance against replicating or multiplying security agencies under the guise of empowering some individuals with state police authority.
Gagdi urged the Federal Government and security agencies to conduct clearance operations in forests along the Plateau, Taraba and Bauchi borders to flush out criminals.
The legislator said the visit enabled him to assess first-hand the security situation in the affected communities.
He also warned security agencies against compromise and advised residents to defend themselves lawfully, within the boundaries permitted by the law.
