The push for state police gained fresh momentum yesterday as the newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, inaugurated a special committee to design a framework for its implementation, declaring that decentralised policing “has come to stay.”
This development comes amid renewed national discussions and repeated calls for state police, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent appeal to the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow it as part of wider security reforms.
Disu, who took over from Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, was sworn in yesterday by Tinubu as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He described the committee’s work as “significant and timely” given Nigeria’s changing security challenges.
Framework in four weeks
The committee, led by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, has been given four weeks to submit its recommendations.
Other members include CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (retd), CP Bode Ojajuni, DCP Okebuchi Ogora, ACP Ikechukwu Okafor, CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho, among others.
According to Disu, the panel is tasked with creating a practical framework that allows state policing to operate effectively without compromising national security.
“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.
He added that the panel will also tackle issues such as recruitment, training standards, funding, accountability, and oversight to ensure professionalism and maintain public trust.
Disu said properly designed state police could “bring law enforcement closer to the people, enhance local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker responses to emerging threats.”
He stressed that decentralisation will let state and local authorities respond better to internal security issues, while the Federal Government focuses on wider national priorities.
“The vision we seek is one of synergy, not competition; partnership, not duplication,” he added.
Fears of political misuse
Addressing worries that state governors might misuse state police for political gains, the IGP reassured that such concerns would be considered.
“All those fears will be considered. Nigeria is not the only country operating state policing. Comparative studies will guide our recommendations,” he said, emphasising that the Police is not threatened by the reform.
“State police has come to stay. Our jobs are not being taken. It is an issue of partnership,” Disu stated.
Swearing-in at the Villa
Earlier, President Tinubu swore in Disu at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, shortly before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Dr. George Akume, Chief of Staff Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and several ministers attended the ceremony.
Tinubu has consistently called for constitutional support for state police, urging lawmakers to fast-track amendments to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure.
He also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two from the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The swearing-in ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior officials, and families of the appointees. The FEC meeting began immediately after, with a large number of council members in attendance.
