The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has opposed the Federal Government’s proposed creation of state police, warning that it could worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.

In a statement issued Thursday in Kaduna, NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar, described the plan as a “misplaced priority,” arguing that it would not address the deep-rooted problems facing Nigeria’s security system.

“It is a misplaced priority. Creating state police is simply a waste of time. What we need is a commitment to fix and strengthen the current system,” Abubakar said.

He cited persistent challenges within the Nigeria Police Force, including underfunding, manpower shortages, poor welfare packages, outdated logistics, and corruption. He insisted that resources should be channelled into recruitment drives, improved welfare, and better equipment rather than setting up new agencies.

Abubakar further warned of the political risks of state-controlled police, saying Nigerian politicians could use such forces to intimidate opponents and suppress dissent.

“Nigerian politicians are not yet mature enough to handle a security structure without federal oversight. We are convinced they will abuse the authority entrusted to state police and violate citizens’ fundamental rights,” he stated.

Instead, the NYCN called for the expansion and reform of the existing police structure, proposing that Nigeria’s police workforce be increased from less than 300,000 officers to at least five million, given the country’s population of over 200 million.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier this week disclosed that plans were underway to establish state police as part of efforts to tackle banditry and other security threats. But the proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with critics echoing concerns that the current force must first be properly funded, staffed, and equipped before new policing structures are introduced.