Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun says the proposed state police system will strengthen community policing, improve intelligence gathering and bring security services closer to Nigerians.
He made the remarks on Friday in New York during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The police chief said the initiative could improve public trust and help officers respond more effectively to security threats.
IGP backs community policing
According to the IGP, authorities are still studying how the proposed system will operate before putting it into effect.
“We are still at the teething stage. We need experience, education and comparative studies from jurisdictions already practising state police.”
He said consultations and capacity building would play key roles before the country fully implements the policy.
The police chief also expressed confidence that state police would strengthen cooperation between federal and state security institutions.
“It will bring policing closer to the people because officers will better understand the communities they serve. It will take us back to the era when almost everybody knew those policing their communities.”
He added that stronger community engagement would improve intelligence gathering, build public confidence and support quicker responses to security challenges.
Bill seeks constitutional amendment
The proposed State Police Bill seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution.
If approved, the amendment will allow state governments to establish, fund and manage their own police formations while the Nigeria Police Force continues to operate at the federal level.
IGP highlights Nigeria’s peacekeeping record
Egbetokun also spoke about Nigeria’s contributions to international peacekeeping during the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit in New York.
He said Nigeria has remained one of the UN’s most dependable contributors to peacekeeping operations since joining the mission in Congo in 1960.
“There is virtually no UN mission where you will not find Nigerian personnel serving with distinction.”
The IGP also paid tribute to Nigerian officers who lost their lives during peacekeeping missions.
“The United Nations will never joke with Nigeria’s contributions because of our commitment and sacrifices.”
What happens next?
The National Assembly is expected to continue deliberations on the State Police Bill. If lawmakers approve the proposal, it will pave the way for state governments to establish their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
