Senate’s approval of state police marks new era in security, says Oyintiloye

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has described the Senate’s approval of the establishment of state police as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build a more effective, responsive, and community-based security system.

Congratulating Nigerians on the development, Oyintiloye expressed delight that a cause he had championed for many years had finally become a reality under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the country must embrace a multi-layered security structure, including initiatives such as Highway Marshals and Forest Guards, to complement policing efforts across the states, adding that state police would strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats, deepen community policing, create employment opportunities, and improve local security management.

The APC chieftain also called for the deployment of modern security tools such as CCTV cameras, drones, digital communication systems, and crime databases to support personnel recruited into the new policing structure.

Oyintiloye emphasised the need for a strong community policing framework that integrates traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders into intelligence-sharing networks.

“Security is most effective when it is locally driven, intelligence-led, and supported by the people,” he said, noting that initiatives such as Amotekun demonstrate the importance of community engagement. He added that Nigeria’s evolving security realities require a more localised approach and expressed joy that the long-held dream had become a reality under President Tinubu’s leadership.

He commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage, foresight, and statesmanship in supporting what he described as a difficult but necessary reform. He also praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the National Assembly, state governors, traditional rulers, security experts, and other stakeholders for their collective efforts in making the development possible.

Oyintiloye urged stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of state police is guided by professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and strict adherence to the rule of law.