LAGOS — The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is “standing at a precipice,” declaring that the failure to urgently establish state police could open the door to foreign military intervention, deepen ethnic and religious divisions, and trigger mass displacement across the country.
In an open letter signed by Director-General Dr. Seye Oyeleye and released on Thursday, the South-West regional body described the current security architecture as “woefully inadequate,” arguing that the Nigeria Police Force has become, in many instances, “an instrument of oppression rather than a guardian of peace and order.”
“The daily reality of banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes and insurgency has exposed the limitations of a centralised policing system,” the statement read. “Foreign intervention, if allowed to occur, will not only undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty but also exacerbate ethnic and religious divisions, leading to long-term instability.”
The Commission insisted that state police — with proper constitutional safeguards, funding mechanisms and oversight — represents the “only credible path” to restoring public confidence, protecting lives and property, and preventing external powers from filling the security vacuum.
Dr. Oyeleye called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to “expedite legislative action without further delay,” stressing that “every day of inaction costs Nigerian lives and weakens the foundations of our democracy.”
The intervention adds significant weight to the growing chorus from governors, traditional rulers and civil society groups who argue that decentralised policing is now a moral and strategic imperative. The South-West, despite being one of the more stable regions, has seen a surge in kidnappings along its highways and rising tensions in rural communities.
“A systemic approach anchored on state police will demonstrate to Nigerians and the international community that the government is resolute in confronting insecurity and committed to a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
With the constitutional amendment process for state police already underway in both chambers of the National Assembly, Thursday’s declaration from the influential DAWN Commission is likely to intensify pressure on lawmakers to fast-track the reforms before the end of the current legislative session.
