Nigeria Police Reform Sparks Calls for Overhaul and Caution on State Police

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to comprehensively reform the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). The group highlighted recent attacks on police officers in Cross River State, including killings on March 3 and February 25, and criticized the extension of Inspector General Mohammed Adamu’s tenure beyond retirement age, calling for discipline, professionalism and alignment with the 2020 Police Act.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) cautioned the federal government and National Assembly against rushing legislation to create a nationwide state police. The party warned that the timing—close to the 2027 general elections—could enable political misuse, stressing the need for constitutional safeguards, independent oversight, transparent recruitment, and mechanisms to prevent intimidation of opponents.