Dare Babalola
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has called for the establishment of state police and the strengthening of grassroots justice systems as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto branch, Fagbemi attributed many of the country’s violent crises to unresolved local disputes, warning that seemingly minor conflicts often escalate into major security threats when not promptly addressed.
According to him, disagreements over land, family, or identity frequently spiral into wider violence due to delays or weaknesses in the justice system. He stressed that effective national security must be rooted in strong and responsive community structures rather than relying solely on centralised mechanisms.
Fagbemi emphasised that security begins at the local level, noting that stable communities form the foundation of a secure nation. He argued that adopting state policing would significantly enhance response time, improve intelligence gathering, and deepen trust between law enforcement agencies and the people.
He further explained that decentralising policing would ease the burden on federal security institutions while allowing for more efficient handling of localised threats. In his view, state police would promote accountability and ensure that security strategies are better tailored to the unique needs of different communities.
Highlighting government efforts in combating insecurity through legal means, the AGF disclosed that the Federal Government recently secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related prosecutions. He described this as evidence of a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and reinforcing the judiciary’s role in national security.
Fagbemi warned that delays in the justice system create room for impunity, which in turn fuels insecurity. He urged legal practitioners to go beyond courtroom advocacy and actively contribute to stability within their communities by improving access to justice.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NBA Sokoto branch, Rashida Muhammad, expressed concern over the far-reaching effects of insecurity on citizens and national development. She noted that persistent violence continues to erode public confidence and weaken institutional structures, stressing that sustainable progress depends on strong enforcement of the law.
Muhammad described the Law Week gathering as a demonstration of the legal community’s resolve to confront insecurity and promote justice, adding that without effective institutions, long-term development would remain elusive.
In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, said his administration is taking steps to strengthen the judiciary in the state. He revealed that 14 judicial officers have been appointed, while new court infrastructure projects are nearing completion.
The governor acknowledged that insecurity poses a serious challenge to governance and social stability, calling for collective efforts to address the problem.
Fagbemi concluded by stressing the importance of accessible and visible justice at the grassroots level, noting that public trust is essential for sustainable security. He also advocated increased use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation, to prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.
The annual Law Week event brought together legal practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical solutions to Nigeria’s security and governance challenges.
