Anglican Bishop backs state police, urges reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s security

The Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, has backed the creation of state police as part of measures to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying the country requires bold constitutional and governance reforms to address its security challenges.

Nwokolo also urged governments at all levels to uphold justice, strengthen institutions and formulate policies that promote national development, while calling on Christians to preserve the sanctity of marriage and resist cultural practices that undermine biblical values.

The bishop spoke during an interview, where he reflected on his 15 years of episcopal leadership, the church’s contributions to education and healthcare, as well as national issues.

On security, he said the current policing structure had become overstretched and advocated a decentralised system that would enable states to respond more effectively to local security threats.

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He stressed that while state police could enhance security, safeguards must be put in place to prevent abuse by political office holders.

According to him, good governance, justice and accountability remain critical to addressing insecurity and restoring citizens’ confidence in government.

Speaking on Christian marriage, Nwokolo urged believers to remain faithful to biblical teachings rather than allow cultural traditions to dictate marital practices.

He warned against customs that contradict Christian doctrine, saying marriage should be built on love, mutual respect and commitment to God’s principles.

The cleric also called on families to uphold Christian values in raising children, stressing that strong homes remain the foundation of a stable society.

Earlier in the interview, Nwokolo attributed the transformation of the Diocese on the Niger over the past 15 years to what he described as a divine vision centred on holistic ministry.

He said upon his enthronement as bishop in 2011, he drew inspiration from Jeremiah 4:3 on “breaking up the fallow ground,” which shaped the diocese’s mission of combining evangelism with investments in education, healthcare and social development.

According to him, the diocese has expanded its missionary activities within and outside Nigeria, including in Togo, planted more churches and established health and educational institutions.

He said the diocese revitalised returned primary and secondary schools, improved infrastructure and discipline, and expanded into tertiary education with the establishment of the Beatrice Onyemelukwe School of Science and Technology, schools of nursing, pharmacy technicians, dental therapy and medical laboratory science.

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