Why Local Policing Could Be Nigeria’s Key to Safer Communities By Abidemi Adebamiwa

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When it comes to policing in Nigeria, many people feel like the system isn’t really working for them. The national police force is often far removed from local communities, leading to slow responses and a lack of trust. But what if Nigeria embraced a more local approach to policing? Countries like the U.S. and Canada have found success with local police forces that know their communities, and Nigeria already has its own example with Amotekun, a security network in the southwest that’s making a real difference.

In the United States, police operate at federal, state, and local levels, allowing officers to respond to the unique needs of each community. Officers who live and work in the same neighborhoods are often faster to respond and more effective at preventing crime. The Canadian system is similar: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police handle national issues, while local forces focus on their communities. This setup allows officers to really understand the people they’re serving, which builds trust and helps prevent crime.

But Nigeria doesn’t need to look to other countries alone. Right here at home, the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, is showing the benefits of local security. Amotekun was created to handle serious threats that the national police sometimes struggle with, like kidnappings and robberies. Amotekun officers are able to act quickly and efficiently because they’re familiar with the communities they protect. They’re not just officers—they’re also trusted guardians who blend modern security methods with traditional practices, like blessings and fortifications, which connect them culturally to the people they serve.

Many of us have seen situations where families desperate for help are asked to pay the police to act. Imagine someone’s relative is kidnapped, and they go to the police, only to be told they need to pay extra to trace the kidnapper’s phone. It’s frustrating, and it happens because police salaries are so low that officers often turn to bribes just to make ends meet. This system makes it hard for people to trust the police and makes police work inefficient.

If policing were localized, each community could have more control over how much their officers are paid. Communities could invest directly in their security, ensuring that officers are fairly compensated and motivated to do their best. When officers feel valued and are paid fairly, they’re less likely to ask for bribes, making the whole system more trustworthy and effective. Doesn’t it make sense that a police force paid fairly by its own community would be more committed to serving it?

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Nigeria’s diversity makes a local approach even more appealing. With over 250 ethnic groups and many languages, a single, centralized police force can’t always connect well with every community. By recruiting local officers who understand the language and culture, communities would have police they feel they can truly trust. People are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement when they feel respected and understood.

Some might argue that the Nigerian Constitution doesn’t allow for localized police forces. But the Constitution’s main goal is to protect the welfare of all Nigerians, and it doesn’t prohibit states from taking extra steps to keep their people safe. We already see communities relying on vigilante groups, and Amotekun’s success shows that organized, state-backed security can work. If something is already working, why not take it to the next level?

A localized police force would allow officers to focus on preventing crime instead of just reacting to it. Working closely with their communities, officers could create programs to tackle the root causes of crime, making everyone safer in the long run.

In the end, bringing policing closer to home could build trust, improve response times, and help people feel safer in their neighborhoods. Other countries, and our own Amotekun, show us that local policing isn’t just a theory—it’s a solution. Isn’t it time we bring safety home?