Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for the deployment of drones, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, and other digital tools to support operatives of the proposed state police.
Speaking in Osogbo, the Osun state capital, on Thursday, June 25, Oyintiloye said technology and community participation would be critical to the success of state policing in Nigeria.
The APC chieftain welcomed the senate’s passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State police) Bill, 2026.
He described the development as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build a more effective, responsive, and community-oriented security architecture.
Oyintiloye commended president Bola Tinubu for supporting the establishment of state police and lauded the national assembly for passing the bill.
The former lawmaker said he had consistently advocated the creation of state police as a practical response to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
He added that the country should embrace a multi-layered security architecture comprising state police, highway marshals, and forest guards.
Oyintiloye said the effectiveness of state police would depend on the deployment of modern security technology.
The APC chieftain also advocated a community policing framework involving traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in intelligence gathering.
“Security is most effective when it is locally driven, intelligence-led, and supported by the people,” Oyintiloye said.
He added that regional security initiatives such as Amotekun demonstrate the importance of community participation in tackling insecurity.
Oyintiloye said the establishment of state police would improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats, and create employment opportunities.
He added that locally recruited officers would be better positioned to understand and respond to security challenges within their communities.
“For years, I have remained a vocal advocate of state police because I firmly believe that Nigeria’s evolving security realities require a more localised approach,” he said.
“Today, I am delighted that this long-held dream for our dear nation has become a reality under the courageous and visionary leadership of the president.”
Oyintiloye commended senate president Godswill Akpabio, members of the national assembly, state governors, traditional rulers, and security experts for supporting the proposed reform.
“The approval of state police is not merely a legislative victory; it is a victory for every Nigerian who desires a safer, more peaceful, and more secure nation,” he added.
“It is also another testament to president Tinubu’s determination to confront longstanding national challenges with bold and innovative solutions.”
He urged stakeholders to ensure that the implementation framework for state police is guided by professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
Oyintiloye expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, reduce criminality, and create an enabling environment for economic growth.
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