Benue Governor Alia Endorses State Police, Urges Governors’ Control of Security Structures

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police, insisting that governors must have operational control over security agencies to effectively protect their states.

The governor made his position known during the flag-off of a six-day training for 300 personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPGs), an exercise organised by The Kukah Centre in partnership with the state government at the Firing Range in Ikpayongo, Gwer-East Local Government Area.

Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, Alia described state policing as “an idea whose time has come,” noting that ongoing constitutional reforms would facilitate its implementation. He said the initiative complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to create a legal framework for decentralised policing, framing it as a crucial devolution of powers within Nigeria’s federal system.

Addressing concerns over potential political misuse, Alia assured that legal safeguards would prevent abuse. “The role of governors as chief security officers must go beyond theory,” he emphasised.

Joseph Har, Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, revealed that Benue has already trained 5,000 personnel, positioning the state as a frontrunner in community-based security initiatives.

Terseer Bamber, Project Manager at The Kukah Centre, added that the training would strengthen operational capacity and ensure personnel act within constitutional limits. “At the end of the exercise, we expect a more resilient force capable of supporting conventional security agencies,” he said.

Alia’s support for state policing underscores growing calls for decentralised security structures, particularly in states grappling with rising insecurity and demands for localised law enforcement solutions.