Federal lawmaker, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC – Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam)
All Progressive Congress (APC,) lawmaker from Plateau State representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, has strong opposition to the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
Speaking during a Sunday visit to affected communities in Kanam Local Government Area, he argued that such a system would exacerbate rather than resolve the country’s security issues.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), banditry has surged in Kanam’s communities of Garga, Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau, Dungur, and Shuwaka, with frequent kidnappings and other crimes fueling fear among residents.
Gagdi rejected state police as a solution, instead calling for increased funding and support for existing security forces, including the police, military, and Department of State Services.
He expressed concerns about potential abuse, stating, “My position, even on the House floor, is that governors will misuse state police, particularly against political opponents, not to maintain peace and order.”
He further asserted, “I say this without fear of contradiction or political misrepresentation. Nigeria is not ripe for proliferation of security agencies.”
Gagdi emphasized, “Rather, I support strengthening existing security agencies. Fund the police, military, Department of State Services and others adequately, and ensure accountability.”
Gagdi stood firm against creating new security structures, arguing they could be exploited under the pretext of state police authority.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to launch operations to clear criminals from forests along the Plateau, Taraba, and Bauchi borders. His visit allowed him to directly assess the security challenges in the affected areas.
Additionally, Gagdi cautioned security agencies against any compromise and encouraged residents to protect themselves within legal limits.
(NAN)
