Security forces are not doing enough to squelch the violence going on in Southern Kaduna, especially the guerilla killings. But to change that, SOKAPU and the rest of us in Southern Kaduna also have to change tactics. The Nigerian Police might have had enough men to storm the recent protest and try to end it. But they never seem to do enough to secure lives and property.

The biggest problem in Nigerian politics is accountability. How do we create a structure that really makes leaders accountable to the people? The way to do it in this case is with the creation of local police. If SOKAPU wants a change, partnering with members of the house to introduce an amendment and legislation to this effect will be beneficial for the whole country.

Local governments should be able to provide police services. Either the Chairman, a Police Board, or some other local body will appoint a Commissioner of Police. The important thing is, someone closer to the people should do it.This way the people they protect directly hold them responsible. In comparison, even if there was State police, a Governor that is unable to protect a certain part of the state might be re-elected by another part. In this case, the Chairman is out.

But it has other tangible positives. Officers can act quicker in a local police force with a shorter chain of command. They would know the terrain better since many would have lived there a long time. And they have friends and family in it so they are personally invested in the safety of the community. More volunteers and recruits will come up in the case of a crisis like that of Southern Kaduna.

On a regular non-crisis day, policing still has the problem of not covering everyone. Police are usually found at the Police station, far from where you can reach them. Or on the street- where you don’t want to reach them. Rather than only securing major streets and important places, a local police service will be able to be spread out across the town. Thereby actually securing the lives and property of the common man.

The flexibility will allow police services innovate on practices to better secure citizens. If they share this knowledge, it can increase competence across all police services in the nation.

Inter-Tribal Oversight

The range of diversity and increased intra-settlements might present a problem. When there are religious or tribal crises, a local government that consists mainly of the majority ethnic group might be reluctant to protect the minority.

The state and federal government would have the right to send in oversight or take over certain cases when the issue becomes inter-tribal or involves terrorism. The state/federal government can send in the Civil Defense or its own Police Force when there is rioting between tribes/ethnic groups and the local government seems to be helpless. There would be an emergency provision when the State/Federal Government can take over security for 24 hours. If they need to stay longer they can get a court order or a direct invite by the Local Government.

Nigeria is use to one large Police Force. But the present system ensures loyalty goes first to the President and the Inspector General of Police all the way in Abuja. And then after them a number of other DIGs, AIGs, Comissioners, before the Commands on the ground. There is a lot of room for slowness and error. And there is little repercussion for not protecting the ordinary man except when the President puts his eyes on the problem.

Nigeria is getting to a structural breaking point. We have to think outside what we are used to and take action we are not used to. Protests register our discontent but working with House Members and Senators to introduce legislation will provide a chance of sustainable change that will save lives and secure property.

Local governments should be able to provide police services. Either the Chairman, a Police Board, or some other local body will appoint a Commissioner of Police. The important thing is, someone closer to the people should do it.This way the people they protect directly hold them responsible.

The range of diversity and increased intra-settlements might present a problem. When there are religious or tribal crises, a local government that consists mainly of the majority ethnic group might be reluctant to protect the minority.