The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has called for stronger community-based justice systems and renewed discussions on state policing, warning that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be effectively addressed solely from the federal level.
Speaking at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association Sokoto Branch, Fagbemi said many security crises in the country often begin as unresolved local disputes.
“Across Nigeria, many conflicts that evolve into serious security challenges often begin as simple local disputes—over land, family matters, resources, or identity.
“When such disputes are not resolved promptly and fairly, they can escalate into broader crises,” he said.
He emphasised that national security must be rooted at the community level rather than relying only on federal security agencies.
“The security of a nation does not begin at its borders or with armed forces alone; it begins within its communities—where citizens live, interact, and resolve their daily disputes,” he added.
Fagbemi renewed calls for decentralised policing, describing state police as essential to improving grassroots security.
“The introduction of state police has become a compelling issue in our collective search for a more effective grassroots security architecture,” he said.
“Its greatest advantage lies in faster response, deeper local intelligence, and a better understanding of the cultural dynamics that underpin insecurity.”
He added that state policing would strengthen public trust and reduce pressure on federal security institutions.
The AGF disclosed that the Federal Government recorded 386 convictions from 508 terrorism-related cases, highlighting ongoing efforts to enforce the rule of law.
“These outcomes reflect a firm and unwavering commitment to the rule of law and our confidence in the judiciary as a critical instrument for national security,” he said.
“Where impunity thrives, insecurity inevitably flourishes,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NBA Sokoto Branch, Rashida Muhammad, warned that rising insecurity is eroding public confidence and threatening national unity.
She said, “Our gathering is not merely a routine policy discussion—it is an expression of our readiness to take responsibility in addressing threats confronting our society.”
She added that insecurity has increased fear among citizens and weakened social stability.
She further noted that without strong legal frameworks and effective enforcement, sustainable development will remain difficult to achieve.
Fagbemi urged legal practitioners to go beyond courtroom advocacy and play active roles in strengthening communities.
He stressed the importance of alternative dispute resolution and improved legal aid systems, adding that justice must be accessible at the grassroots level to build trust and ensure lasting security.
