Olatunji Disu, inspector-general of police (IGP), has inaugurated a committee to develop a framework for implementing state policing in Nigeria.
Disu performed the inauguration on Wednesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the IGP said the committee’s work is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
He said the initiative aims to make policing more responsive to the needs and realities of local communities.
Other members of the committee are Bode Ojajuni (secretary), Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor, Tolulope Ipinmisho, and Emmanuel Ojukwu.
The committee is headed by Olu Ogunsakin, a professor of police studies.
Committee’s mandate
The new IGP said the committee will review policing models within and outside Nigeria. It will also assess community security needs across the country.
He added that members will propose an operational framework for establishing and coordinating state police structures.
The committee will also examine recruitment, training standards and resource allocation. In addition, it will design accountability and oversight mechanisms to promote professionalism and public trust.
Improving local security response
Disu said state policing could bring law enforcement closer to communities. It could also improve response to emerging security threats.
According to him, decentralising some policing responsibilities will allow state and local authorities to address security challenges more effectively.
He added that the Nigerian police force will continue to serve as the primary national law enforcement institution responsible for internal security.
The IGP said the reform could allow the federal police to focus more on complex crimes. These include terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, and trafficking networks.
Disu urged members of the committee to approach their assignment with diligence and professionalism. He said their work will shape the future of policing in Nigeria.
