Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Osita Izunaso have called for increased support for state policing and comprehensive security reforms as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The lawmakers made the call on Saturday during the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, where stakeholders examined ways to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
Speaking at the conference, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capabilities in Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” Kalu urged the Senate and state legislatures to support the State Police Bill recently approved by the House of Representatives.
He described the proposed legislation as a critical step toward enhancing security across the country, particularly at the grassroots level where local knowledge and rapid response are essential.
According to him, the establishment of state police would improve intelligence gathering, reduce response times, and enable law enforcement personnel to operate more effectively within communities where they possess cultural and social familiarity.
“The bill now moves to the Senate and subsequently to the State Houses of Assembly for consideration. I urge all stakeholders to see this reform as a national necessity rather than a political initiative,” he said.
Kalu noted that the overwhelming support the bill received in the House reflected a growing consensus among Nigerians on the need to restructure the country’s security framework.
He stressed that while military operations remain important in combating insecurity, sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing underlying factors such as poverty, unemployment, poor access to education, social exclusion, and weak local governance structures.
The deputy speaker also advocated stronger partnerships among government institutions, security agencies, the private sector, and local communities to tackle emerging security threats.
Highlighting the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), Kalu said dialogue, reconciliation, and community engagement have proven effective in complementing military efforts to restore peace and stability.
Also speaking, Senator Izunaso said Nigeria’s security challenges have become increasingly complex, making it impossible for government institutions alone to provide lasting solutions.
He noted that threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, organised crime, cybercrime, and economic sabotage require a coordinated approach involving both public and private stakeholders.
According to the senator, the private sector plays a significant role in strengthening national security through job creation, educational support, and community development initiatives that reduce the vulnerability of young people to criminal activities.
“This is why public-private partnerships must become a key component of Nigeria’s security strategy,” he said.
Izunaso further called for greater adoption of technology in security management, including artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, data analytics, and intelligence-sharing platforms to improve threat detection and response.
He also advocated sustained support for indigenous defence manufacturing and innovation through institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The lawmaker emphasised the importance of maintaining credible national data systems and strengthening local government administration as part of broader efforts to enhance security and national development.
Both Kalu and Izunaso commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices in safeguarding the country.
They also praised the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, for promoting stakeholder engagement and supporting initiatives aimed at building a more resilient and effective security ecosystem.
The conference attracted policymakers, security professionals, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives who deliberated on practical strategies for addressing Nigeria’s security concerns and strengthening national stability.
