State Policing in the South-East: Navigating Security, Governance, and Local Realities

State policing is at the centre of Nigeria’s current security debate. The South-East’s historical experiences, system of local governance, and recent security challenges make it a critical case study for the risks and rewards of decentralizing law enforcement. This article analyses the roots, prospects, and possible pitfalls of state policing for the South-East, and advocates for an approach grounded in both indigenous community structures and robust safeguards.