Some lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have called on the National Assembly to approve the establishment of state policing to strengthen grassroots security surveillance and curb school abductions.
The lawmakers made the call in separate interviews in Lagos on Tuesday.
Mr Abiodun Orekoya, member representing Somolu Constituency I, appealed to the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the state policing bill .
Abiodun said that the growing security challenges in some parts of the country required decentralised policing to effectively address crimes at the grassroots level.
“State policing will enhance intelligence gathering and improve quick response to security threats within local communities.
“It will also assist in complementing the efforts of the conventional security agencies in tackling insecurity,” he said.
The lawmaker added that governors and local stakeholders understood the peculiar security needs of their various states and should be empowered constitutionally to provide additional security support.
Mr Samuel Apata, member representing Somolu Constituency II, condemned the recurring cases of abduction of students and teachers in schools across the country.
Apata said that the development had become a serious concern to parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the education sector.
“The safety of students and teachers must remain a priority for government at all levels.
“State policing will improve community surveillance and help security operatives respond swiftly to criminal activities around schools and neighbourhoods,” he said.
He added that collaboration between local vigilante groups and state security outfits would further strengthen security architecture if properly regulated.
Mr Abiodun Tobun, member representing Epe Constituency I, commended President Bola Tinubu for the improvement recorded in the nation’s security sector.
He said that there was still need for more proactive measures, including the approval of state policing, to consolidate ongoing security efforts.
Tobun said that community-based policing remained one of the most effective ways of addressing insecurity in rural and riverine areas.
“Security challenges differ from one community to another, and state policing would help provide tailored solutions to local security issues,” he said.
Mr Sylvester Ogunkelu, member representing Epe Constituency II, also described state policing as a necessary strategy to improve grassroots security surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Ogunkelu said that empowering states to establish policing structures would reduce pressure on federal security agencies and enhance effective monitoring of communities.
“Community participation in security matters is essential for crime prevention and maintaining law and order.
“State policing will create more confidence between residents and security operatives because officers will better understand the terrain and the people,” he said.
The lawmakers urged the National Assembly to prioritise national interest and support lefforts aimed at strengthening the country’s security framework through state policing.