…Disu said the task before the panel was both “significant and timely,”
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has inaugurated a Committee on State Policing, describing it as a major step toward reinforcing Nigeria’s internal security framework and deepening community-based law enforcement.
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, Disu said the task before the panel was both “significant and timely,” stressing that Nigeria’s changing security landscape requires fresh ideas, stronger collaboration and decisive reforms to make policing more responsive to local realities.
He explained that the committee would design a practical framework for implementing state policing without weakening the national security structure. According to him, members are to examine existing policing models locally and internationally, evaluate community security demands, identify possible risks, and recommend an operational blueprint for establishing and coordinating state police systems.
The IGP said the panel would also tackle key issues such as recruitment processes, training standards, funding arrangements, and accountability mechanisms to ensure professionalism and maintain public confidence.
Disu noted that, if properly structured and executed, state policing could bring law enforcement closer to the grassroots, improve understanding of local security dynamics, and enable faster responses to emerging threats within communities.
He added that decentralising certain policing responsibilities would allow state governments and local authorities to address security concerns within their domains more effectively, while the Federal Government focuses on broader national priorities.
“The goal is synergy, not rivalry; partnership, not duplication,” he said, urging committee members to approach their assignment with diligence, professionalism and patriotism.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, has four weeks to submit its report. Other members include CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd), CP Bode Ojajuni, DCP Okebuchi Ogora, ACP Ikechukwu Okafor and CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho, among others.
Addressing fears that governors could misuse state police structures for political ends, Disu assured that such concerns would be carefully considered. He added that Nigeria would draw lessons from countries already operating state policing systems.
Meanwhile, senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, including Deputy Inspectors-General who served under the immediate past IGP, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, attended a strategic meeting convened by Disu in Abuja.
Those present included DIGs Frank Mba, Sadiq Abubakar, Basil Idgwu, Bzigu Kwazhi, Gumel, Fayoade and Adeola Hamzat.
It was learnt that the Police Service Commission has yet to formally decide on the status of the affected officers, many of whom are senior to the new IGP. By longstanding tradition in the Force, officers are expected to retire if a junior officer is appointed above them. However, no official statement had been issued regarding their retirement as of the time of the meeting.
