The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Monday called for stronger community-based justice systems and renewed debate on state policing, warning that Nigeria’s security crisis cannot be tackled from the centre alone.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Speaking at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto branch, Fagbemi said many of Nigeria’s security threats often originate from 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 stressed that security must be rooted in communities rather than driven solely by federal institutions.
“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 reignited calls for decentralised policing, describing state police as critical to strengthening 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 noted that state policing would also improve public trust and ease pressure on federal security agencies.
The AGF disclosed that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions from 508 terrorism-related cases, underscoring 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, Chairman of the NBA Sokoto branch, Rashida Muhammad, warned that insecurity is eroding public confidence and threatening national cohesion.
“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 said.
“It is about building consensus and taking deliberate steps towards a more secure nation.”
She added that rising insecurity has created fear among citizens and strained social stability.
“Without strong legal frameworks and effective enforcement, sustainable development will remain elusive,” Muhammad warned.
Fagbemi charged lawyers to go beyond courtroom advocacy and act as stabilising forces within their communities.
“Lawyers must bridge the gap between the law and the people by making legal processes more accessible and understandable,” he said.
He emphasised the need for alternative dispute resolution and stronger legal aid systems.
In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector.
“Insecurity remains a major concern capable of undermining governance and social stability,” he said.
“This law week provides a platform for stakeholders to deliberate and proffer solutions.”
The governor disclosed that 14 judicial officers had been appointed and equipped, while key court infrastructure projects are nearing completion.
Fagbemi concluded with a call for collective action, stressing that national stability depends on grassroots justice.
“When justice is visible and accessible at the grassroots, trust is built; and when trust is built, security becomes sustainable,” he said.
“A secured future for Nigeria will be built in our communities through fairness, dialogue, and the consistent application of justice.”
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
