Disu Inaugurates Committee to Design State Police Framework

Nigeria’s new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has set up a high-powered committee to develop a framework for implementing state police, saying the concept of decentralised policing “has come to stay.”

The initiative comes amid growing national discussions on restructuring the country’s security system and follows President Bola Tinubu’s call on the National Assembly to amend the Constitution of Nigeria to accommodate state policing.

Disu, who recently took over from Kayode Egbetokun as the 23rd indigenous IGP, said the committee’s work was critical in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Four-week deadline

The committee, chaired by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, is expected to submit its report within four weeks.

Its members include CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (retd), CP Bode Ojajuni, DCP Okebuchi Ogora, ACP Ikechukwu Okafor and CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho.

Disu explained that the panel would examine policing models in Nigeria and other countries before proposing an operational structure for state police.

“The committee will review policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs, identify potential risks, and propose an operational structure for the establishment and coordination of state police systems,” he said.

According to him, the framework will also address recruitment, training standards, funding, oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure professionalism.

“If properly designed and implemented, state policing could bring law enforcement closer to the people, enhance local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker responses to emerging threats,” he said.

He added that the reform would promote collaboration between federal and state authorities.

“The vision we seek is one of synergy, not competition; partnership, not duplication.”

Addressing fears of abuse

Disu acknowledged concerns that governors might misuse state police but said such issues would be carefully examined.

“All those fears will be considered. Nigeria is not the only country operating state policing. Comparative studies will guide our recommendations,” he said.

He reiterated that the initiative was meant to complement, not replace, the federal police.

“State police has come to stay. Our jobs are not being taken. It is an issue of partnership.”

Swearing-in ceremony

Earlier, Tinubu swore in Disu at the Presidential Villa before the start of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

Those present included Vice President Kashim Shettima, SGF George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Tinubu also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and two members of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Senior police officers await decision

Deputy Inspectors-General who served under Egbetokun attended a strategy meeting convened by the new IGP in Abuja.

However, the Police Service Commission had not announced whether they would remain in office or retire, as tradition requires senior officers to step down if a junior officer is appointed above them.

Security monitoring and welfare

Disu also revealed that the police are monitoring developments in the Middle East due to concerns about possible repercussions in Nigeria.

“Our ears are to the ground… If anything happens there, the repercussions could come here,” he said.

He noted that nationwide patrols had been intensified while security agencies engage religious and community leaders to prevent unrest.

The IGP further pledged to improve officers’ welfare, stressing that policing remains a demanding and risky profession.

“Some years ago, when I was CP Federal Capital Territory, we lost 140 policemen in one year. The job is difficult. Men sleep out and hardly see their families. Welfare is vital.”

Support from regional groups

Groups such as Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum have continued to support the creation of state police.

Afenifere spokesman Jare Ajayi said Nigeria is ready for state police, adding that safeguards could be included in the law to prevent abuse.

Similarly, AYCF leader Shettima Yerima said regional security challenges such as insurgency, banditry and communal clashes require localized responses that a centralized police system often struggles to deliver.

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