Nigeria Needs Federal Rapid Response Police Force — Ex-Israel PM

Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, has advised the Nigerian government to establish a central rapid deployment police unit that can reinforce state police commands during emergencies.

Speaking in an interview with Arise Television, Barak said Nigeria’s newly adopted state police structure would only succeed if backed by coordination, transparency, and information-sharing between the states and the Federal Government in Abuja.

“The fact that there is a state police for every government doesn’t mean there should be no coordination or dialogue with Abuja,” he noted, stressing that federal authorities must have access to information from state commands.

Barak recommended a federal rapid deployment force that could be dispatched to any region when local police face threats beyond their capacity.

He explained that such an arrangement would ensure states remain accountable while also benefiting from federal support in critical situations.

He cautioned against relying too heavily on the military for policing duties, arguing that soldiers are not trained for law enforcement and their involvement often leads to “unintended consequences.”

However, he acknowledged that the army remains necessary in cases where armed groups seize territory and act like “mini sovereigns.”

Commending Nigeria’s resilience in tackling terrorism, organised crime, kidnapping, and separatist threats while maintaining democratic governance, Barak urged the country to take a long-term view of its security reforms.

He pointed out that Israel’s intelligence and policing capabilities took decades to develop and Nigeria should expect gradual progress.

Drawing from his own experience leading high-profile rescue and counter-terrorism operations, Barak emphasized that even Israel continues to face unresolved challenges, including organised crime and internal violence.

He encouraged Nigeria to learn from setbacks, adapt strategies, and remain committed to strengthening its security institutions.

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