South West leaders have declared that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity can no longer be addressed with the current security structure, insisting that the introduction of state police and the death penalty for kidnappers is now necessary to protect citizens and restore national stability.
Speaking after a regional security consultation, the leaders stated that the frequency of abductions, killings, and bandit attacks has reached an alarming level, making decentralised policing the only effective solution. They argued that allowing states to control their own policing system will ensure quicker response, better intelligence gathering, and stronger accountability.
They also urged the Federal Government to consider adopting capital punishment for kidnappers, noting that the severity of the penalty would deter criminal networks that currently operate with boldness and impunity.
The statement has sparked nationwide debate, with many Nigerians supporting the call for state police, while others warn about potential political misuse.