The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has inaugurated a Committee on State Policing, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s internal security structure and improving community-based law enforcement.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, Disu said the committee’s assignment was significant and timely, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges require innovative thinking, collaboration and bold reforms to make policing more responsive to local realities.
He said the committee is expected to develop a workable framework for the operation of state policing in Nigeria without undermining the national security system.
According to him, members will review policing models within and outside the country, assess community security needs, identify potential risks, and propose an operational structure for establishing and coordinating state police systems.
The IGP added that the committee would also address key issues such as recruitment procedures, training standards, funding, accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
Disu stated that if properly designed and implemented, state policing could bring law enforcement closer to the people, enhance understanding of local security dynamics and enable quicker responses to emerging threats within communities.
He emphasised that decentralizing certain policing responsibilities would allow state governments and local authorities to tackle security challenges within their jurisdictions more effectively, while the Federal Government focuses on broader national priorities. He described the vision as one of partnership rather than competition.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, has been given four weeks to submit its report.
Addressing concerns that state governors might misuse state police structures for political purposes, the IGP assured that such fears would be taken into account.
He said Nigeria would draw lessons from other countries operating state policing systems.
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