T he Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has thrown his weight behind the push for state police, saying it will significantly improve security across the country. Lawal made the comment on Wednesday while speaking as a guest on Arise News Townhall, a public affairs programme by Arise News Channel that brings together policymakers and experts to discuss national issues. He said one of the main reasons insecurity has continued to grow in many states is because governors do not have direct control over security agencies operating in their states.  “The structure we have now ties the hands of governors,” Lawal explained. “We are called Chief Security Officers, but we don’t command the police. If state governments manage security in their areas, we can provide better funding, employ more officers, and respond faster when there is trouble.” The governor also addressed concerns that state governors could abuse a state police system to harass political opponents. He said the fear is no...

S everal police officers are now in detention after a routine stop-and-search in Ebonyi State ended with a motorcyclist losing his right eye. The incident occurred Monday morning in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, when Arinze Eze was riding from Ishieke to Ohaukwu. According to Premium Times, officers flagged him down for a search. Trouble began when they demanded he hand over his small bag. Eze refused, insisting they could search him with the bag still on his neck. One officer, identified only as Kingsley, allegedly attacked him first. Others joined in. During the fight, an officer reportedly hit Eze with the butt of his rifle. The blow was so severe it forced his eyeball out of its socket. The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed Tuesday that the officers involved have been “officially identified and detained.” Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor ordered them transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation. “Th...