A forensic security expert and Chief Executive Officer of Scottbrian Global Security Services (SGSS), Mr. Solomon Nandy Chendan, has described the proposed establishment of State Police as the most viable solution to addressing the persistent security challenges confronting Plateau State.
Chendan, who was also the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections, made the assertion in a press statement issued on Thursday, expressing strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for State Police across the federation.
According to him, the President’s proposal has moved beyond a campaign promise and has now reached an advanced legislative stage, following the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, by both chambers of the National Assembly.
He noted that the bill, which is currently awaiting ratification by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, seeks to decentralize policing and empower states to establish their own police structures through enabling laws.
Chendan explained that the proposed amendment would create a dual policing system where the Nigeria Police Force would continue handling federal security responsibilities such as terrorism, interstate crimes and national security matters, while state police would focus on local law enforcement, intelligence gathering and community security.
He said the reform would allow governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police based on recommendations from State Police Councils and subject to clearance by state legislatures.
The security expert further noted that the bill contains safeguards designed to prevent political misuse of state police, including due process requirements for the removal of commissioners and restrictions against partisan or ethnic deployment of officers.
He added that the Federal Government would retain powers to intervene in situations involving serious breakdowns of public order or threats to national security.
Chendan observed that community-based policing would significantly improve intelligence gathering and response times in troubled local government areas such as Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos, Kanam and Bassa.
He argued that the reform would finally give governors practical authority to perform their constitutional role as Chief Security Officers, rather than remaining security leaders only in title.
While supporting the initiative, he called for additional measures to strengthen the effectiveness of state police, including improved welfare packages, professional training and adequate operational equipment.
On the way forward, Chendan urged the Plateau State House of Assembly to ratify the constitutional amendment without delay and begin work on a legal framework for the establishment and funding of a state police system.
He also recommended the recruitment of personnel from local communities, subject to thorough vetting by traditional rulers and civil society organizations, to ensure professionalism and prevent politicization.
The security expert further advocated the establishment of a strong State Police Service Commission comprising representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups and traditional institutions, alongside the deployment of modern technology such as body cameras to enhance accountability.
Chendan commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for constituting a 14-member State Police Committee but advised the state government to go further by producing a State Police White Paper, auditing existing security outfits such as Operation Rainbow and vigilante groups, and engaging all ethnic communities in the state to build trust and avoid perceptions of exclusion.
He acknowledged potential risks associated with the reform, including political interference, inadequate funding and possible arms proliferation, but maintained that the consequences of failing to act would be far more severe.
“The cost of inaction is higher,” he stated, stressing that Plateau State must take advantage of the emerging constitutional reform to strengthen its security architecture and tackle recurring violence and criminal activities.
Chendan concluded by offering the expertise of Scottbrian Global Security Services in providing forensic, intelligence and tactical training to support the development of a professional, non-partisan Plateau State Police.
