ABUJA, Nigeria — The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that the committee established by the Nigeria Police Force to develop a framework for the proposed state police system carried out an extensive study of policing models in India, the United States and Pakistan before presenting its recommendations to the Federal Government.
Disu made the disclosure during a workshop on state policing held in Abuja, where senior police officers gathered to examine the proposed framework and discuss its implementation. He explained that the committee conducted comparative analyses of countries operating decentralised policing systems to identify best practices that could be adapted to Nigeria’s unique security and constitutional environment.
According to the Inspector-General, the workshop was organised to educate senior officers on the concept of state policing and address concerns surrounding its implementation. He acknowledged that many police officers have expressed reservations about the proposed reform, stressing that the workshop was intended to provide clarity and ensure that officers understand the objectives and operational structure of the proposed system.
Disu stated that the Federal Government has already resolved to establish state police and that the Nigeria Police Force has a responsibility to support the process by providing professional input that would guarantee an effective and sustainable policing structure. He emphasised that the issue extends beyond the police institution, describing it as a national policy initiative aimed at strengthening internal security and improving law enforcement across the federation.
The police chief revealed that the committee responsible for developing the framework completed its initial assignment within just 17 days. He explained that although there were initial disagreements over whether the police should prepare a framework because some believed the decision had already been made, the leadership eventually agreed that the Force should actively contribute to shaping the proposed structure.
He further disclosed that while the Nigeria Governors’ Forum had already concluded work on its own committee before the police began its assignment, the police committee accelerated its efforts and produced recommendations that have since become central to ongoing discussions on the proposed state police framework.
According to the Inspector-General, the committee’s work has continued to receive input from experienced security professionals, including retired Inspectors-General of Police, who reviewed the document and offered suggestions to strengthen its provisions. He said their contributions have helped refine the framework and ensure that it reflects practical policing realities as well as constitutional considerations.
Disu noted that the committee carefully examined policing structures in India, the United States and Pakistan because those countries operate decentralised policing systems that assign significant security responsibilities to sub-national governments. He explained that the comparative study enabled the committee to identify operational models, accountability mechanisms and administrative arrangements that could guide Nigeria’s transition to state policing while safeguarding national unity and professional standards.
The Inspector-General urged participants at the workshop to carefully review the framework and contribute ideas that would improve the final document before implementation. He stressed that constructive dialogue among stakeholders remains essential to developing a policing system capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Calls for the creation of state police have intensified in recent years amid growing concerns over insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts across various parts of the country. Supporters argue that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and enable faster responses to local security threats. However, critics have raised concerns about possible political interference, abuse of authority and the need for effective oversight mechanisms.
As consultations continue, the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and other stakeholders are expected to work together to develop a state policing framework that balances operational efficiency, constitutional safeguards and accountability while strengthening Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
