1. The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) is carefully following the ongoing national debate and legislative processes concerning the creation of State Police in Nigeria. At this defining moment in our nation’s history, the Council considers it an obligation and a patriotic duty to offer its position in the interest of justice, national unity and posterity.
2. There is no dispute that Nigeria is facing one of the gravest security crises in its history, that claimed thousands of innocent lives, displaced millions, devastated agriculture and businesses, and left many communities living in constant fear. Islam places the protection of life, property and human dignity among the foremost objectives of governance. Those entrusted with authority must therefore discharge their responsibilities with justice, sincerity and accountability before Allah SWT and before the people.
3. While the Council appreciates every sincere effort to improve national security, we firmly believe that State Police should not be presented as a quick or magical solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. The failures of the existing security architecture are rooted largely in inadequate funding, corruption, insufficient personnel, poor welfare, weak intelligence, obsolete equipment and ineffective coordination.
4. These structural deficiencies will not disappear merely by transferring policing powers to the states. Our immediate national priority should therefore be the comprehensive reform and strengthening of existing security institutions through better funding, recruitment, modern technology, intelligence gathering, border security, accountability and professionalism.
5. The Council is deeply concerned by the apparent haste with which constitutional amendments on this far-reaching matter are being pursued. Constitutional changes affecting the nation’s security architecture must never be rushed. They require broad national consultation, transparent public hearings and genuine consensus among all stakeholders.
6. We are therefore disappointed by the proceedings of the National Assembly, which many Nigerians viewed as falling short of the openness, inclusiveness and thorough national consultation that such a critical constitutional matter demand. We commend those distinguished legislators who courageously stood their ground in defence of due process, wider consultation and the national interest. Their principled stand reflects the essence of democratic representation and deserves the appreciation of all Nigerians.
7. The Council also cautions against any arrangement that may allow State Police to become instruments of political intimidation or discrimination. Given Nigeria’s complex religious, ethnic and political diversity, every citizen must be assured of equal protection under the Constitution. Before any State Police structure is created, there must be strong constitutional safeguards, independent oversight institutions, transparent and merit-based recruitment, professional training standards, effective complaints mechanisms, judicial and legislative oversight, sustainable funding and firm guarantees against abuse of power. Without these safeguards, the proposed reform could create new dangers instead of solving existing problems.
8. The Council therefore calls on the President, the leadership of the National Assembly, state governments and all relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive nationwide consultations have been concluded and the legitimate concerns of Nigerians adequately addressed.
9. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants our leaders wisdom, sincerity and courage to make decisions that will preserve justice, strengthen national unity and restore lasting peace and security to our beloved country.

Nafiu Baba Ahmad, mni
Secretary General
Issued this 16th day of Safar 1447 AH (30th July 2026)