Newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a committee for the establishment of state police.
During last Wednesday’s breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu asked the leadership of the 10th Senate to start constitutional amendments that would allow for the creation of state police as part of continuing discussions on policing reforms.
According to the President, decentralised policing would increase quick reaction to threats within states and strengthen security at the local level. He also noted that the current centralised structure needed to be reviewed in order to make room for the proposed reform.
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Speaking at the inauguration, Disu stated that the committee’s goal was to investigate the idea of state policing as part of initiatives to enhance community-based policing and fortify Nigeria’s internal security framework.
He stated that the committee would examine current policing models both inside and outside of Nigeria, evaluate community security requirements, suggest an operational framework for state police organisations, and deal with issues related to hiring, training, standards, funding, accountability, and supervision.
According to Disu, state police formation might offer localised policing services with an emphasis on neighbourhood patrols, community safety, conflict prevention, and prompt reaction to new threats.
“This collaborative arrangement will encourage specialisation, strengthen professionalism, and ultimately deliver more effective security outcomes for our citizens,” he added.
Speaking soon after taking office as the substantive Inspector-General of Police, Disu also revealed that he had formed a committee to formulate the Nigeria Police Force’s stance on the planned creation of state police.
He stressed that the police and state police were not at odds, characterising it as a collaboration rather than a danger to the Force.
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“State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership,” Disu said.
