Human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, has warned that establishing state police forces will not stop Nigeria’s security crisis unless the federal government urgently tackles youth unemployment and mass poverty.

Featuring as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Falana reacted to the Senate`s recent passage of the controversial State Police Bill. He argued that expanding law enforcement without providing social security is a surface-level fix for deep economic issues.

"How do we employ more policemen and women without considering social security? Why are we not talking of creating employment for young people?" Falana asked. He concluded that without a holistic approach to poverty, regional policing units will fail to secure the country.

The senior advocate also cautioned against dismissive political arguments, urging stakeholders to focus on structural reforms rather than weaponising the debate. He noted that the conversation surrounding restructuring must prioritize vulnerable citizens who are pushed into crime due to extreme financial desperation.

Security experts have mirrored Falana`s concerns, noting that poorly funded state police forces could worsen regional instability if governors manipulate them for political gain. The bill now faces intense scrutiny as critics demand a balanced framework that combines armed surveillance with robust welfare programs.