The push for the establishment of state police received a significant boost on Thursday following the submission of a comprehensive framework by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.
The 75-page document, presented to the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, outlines the proposed structure, governance, and coordination mechanisms for both federal and state policing systems. The submission forms part of ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
The framework was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Olu Ogunsakin, who chaired the Nigeria Police Force committee responsible for developing the proposal on state policing.
Titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” the report provides detailed operational guidelines and a roadmap for integrating state police into the existing national security framework.
According to Disu, the document is the product of extensive consultations, professional assessments, and strategic evaluations conducted by the police to address the complexities surrounding the creation of state police.
He noted that the report reflects the collective input of key stakeholders and thoroughly examines the legal, administrative, and operational implications of decentralising policing powers.
“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting state police in Nigeria,” the IGP said.
He expressed confidence that the framework would enrich ongoing national discussions and assist lawmakers in making informed and balanced decisions on a critical component of Nigeria’s security reform.
“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture,” he added.
The police chief further disclosed that the document has been formally transmitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police’s official submission on the contentious issue.
In his response, Barau, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive and timely contribution to the constitutional amendment process.
He assured that the committee would give due consideration to the framework alongside other memoranda submitted by stakeholders as part of broader efforts to address evolving governance and security challenges.
Barau also noted that the initiative aligns with the security priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in enhancing safety and protecting lives and property nationwide.
The renewed focus on state police comes amid rising insecurity and increasing calls for a decentralised policing system that would empower state governments to respond more effectively to local threats.
While proponents argue that state police would improve intelligence gathering, response time, and community engagement, critics have raised concerns about potential misuse by state authorities and the need for strong institutional safeguards.
With the submission of the police framework, deliberations on state policing are expected to gain momentum in the National Assembly, as lawmakers consider various proposals aimed at creating a more responsive and efficient policing system.
The outcome of the Senate committee’s review is likely to play a crucial role in shaping constitutional amendments that could redefine Nigeria’s policing structure in the years ahead.