In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Council, Nafi'u Buba Ahmad, said Nigeria is currently facing one of the most serious security challenges in its history. Thousands of innocent citizens have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, agricultural production and economic activities have been severely disrupted, while many communities continue to live under the shadow of fear and insecurity.
Islam places the protection of life, property and human dignity among the highest objectives of governance, making it incumbent upon those in authority to discharge their responsibilities with justice, sincerity and accountability before Allah (SWT) and the Nigerian people.
While acknowledging every sincere initiative aimed at improving security, the Council believes that the establishment of State Police should not be regarded as an automatic or immediate solution to the nation's security problems. In the Council's view, the weaknesses within Nigeria's current security system are largely attributable to inadequate funding, corruption, shortage of personnel, poor welfare, weak intelligence gathering, obsolete equipment and ineffective coordination among security agencies.
These fundamental challenges, the Council notes, will not simply disappear through the decentralisation of policing powers.
t therefore advocates comprehensive reforms of existing security institutions by prioritising improved funding, recruitment of qualified personnel, deployment of modern technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, strengthened border security, greater accountability and professionalism.
The Council also expresses concern over what appears to be the hurried approach to constitutional amendments relating to the proposed State Police. It stresses that any alteration to the nation's security architecture must be preceded by extensive national consultations, transparent public hearings and broad consensus among all segments of society.
Consequently, the Council is disappointed that the National Assembly's handling of the matter has been widely perceived as lacking sufficient openness, inclusiveness and meaningful public engagement. It, however, commends those legislators who insisted on due process, wider consultation and the protection of the national interest, describing their position as a reflection of genuine democratic representation.
Furthermore, the Council warns against the possibility of State Police being used as instruments of political intimidation, oppression or discrimination. Given Nigeria's complex ethnic, religious and political diversity, every citizen must be guaranteed equal protection under the Constitution.
Accordingly, the Council insists that before any State Police structure is established, there must be strong constitutional safeguards, independent oversight bodies, transparent and merit-based recruitment, professional training standards, effective complaint and disciplinary mechanisms, judicial and legislative oversight, sustainable funding and firm protections against abuse of power.
Without these essential safeguards, the proposed reform risks creating new challenges instead of addressing existing ones.
The Council therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, state governments and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that genuine nationwide consultations are conducted and that the legitimate concerns of Nigerians are adequately addressed before any final decision is taken.
Finally, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria prays that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants the nation's leaders wisdom, sincerity and courage to take decisions that will uphold justice, strengthen national unity and restore lasting peace and security across the country.
