Mr. Tunji Disu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has declared support for the establishment of state police, describing the proposed security reform as a major step toward strengthening community policing and improving intelligence gathering across the country.
While speaking in New York on Friday, Disu said the initiative would enable security agencies to work more closely with local communities while enhancing collaboration between federal and state policing institutions.
He said discussions on state police have advanced, the process requires careful planning, consultations and institutional preparation before implementation.
“We are still at the teething stage. We need experience, education and comparative studies from jurisdictions already practising State Police.”
The police chief expressed optimism that decentralising policing would make security operations more effective by allowing officers to develop a better understanding of the communities under their watch.
“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.”
Disu noted that stronger community engagement would not only boost public confidence in law enforcement but also improve intelligence gathering and facilitate quicker responses to emerging security threats.
He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to embracing innovation, professionalism and strategic partnerships to promote national peace, stability and development.
The proposed State Police Bill seeks to transfer policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution, thereby allowing state governments to establish, finance and manage their own police formations alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP made the remarks while attending the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit at the UN Headquarters in New York, where he also highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to global peacekeeping operations.
According to Disu, Nigeria has consistently distinguished itself as one of the United Nations’ most reliable contributors to international peacekeeping missions.
He said the country’s record since joining UN peacekeeping operations in Congo in 1960 remains a source of national pride, noting that Nigerian police officers and troops have served with distinction in missions around the world.
“There is virtually no UN mission where you will not find Nigerian personnel serving with distinction.”
Disu also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerian security personnel in the course of global peacekeeping assignments, including the loss of lives.
“The United Nations will never joke with Nigeria’s contributions because of our commitment and sacrifices,” he said.
