IGP unveils 7-member committee for establishment of state police

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has inaugurated a seven-member committee to examine the feasibility and operational framework for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Disu said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s internal security architecture and make policing more responsive to the needs of local communities.

The IGP said the committee was set up in response to security challenges across Nigeria and the need for innovative reforms that would enhance the protection of lives and property.

He stated that the idea of state policing is being carefully considered as a means of improving security governance, bringing law enforcement closer to the people and promoting stronger community participation in crime prevention.

Disu said the committee would review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.

Other responsibilities of the committee include addressing recruitment and training standards, resource allocation, and the development of accountability and oversight mechanisms to promote professionalism and public trust.

Disu noted that, if properly designed and implemented, state policing could deepen local knowledge of security dynamics, allow for faster response to threats and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement through closer relationships between officers and communities.

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The IGP added that decentralising certain policing responsibilities would also enable more efficient use of security resources, as state and local authorities would be better positioned to address specific security challenges within their jurisdictions.

Disu noted that reform could contribute to economic and social development by creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

Disu, however, stressed that state police would not replace the Nigeria Police Force, but would serve as a complementary structure within a coordinated national security framework.

The IGP said: “The Nigeria Police Force will continue to play its constitutional role as the primary national law enforcement institution responsible for maintaining internal security across the federation.

“Indeed, the introduction of state police is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of policing by allowing the federal police to concentrate more strategically on complex and transnational crimes such as terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, trafficking networks, and other serious security threats that require national coordination and specialized capabilities.”

He assured officers of the Nigeria Police Force that the proposed reform would be built on synergy and partnership, rather than competition or duplication of roles.

The IGP urged members of the committee to approach their assignment with professionalism, objectivity and patriotism, noting that their recommendations would play a key role in shaping the future of policing in Nigeria.

The members of the committee are the DG National Institute for Police Studies, Jabi, Abuja, Prof Olu Ogunsakin, (Chairman), while CP Bode Ojajuni will serve as the Secretary.

Other members include DCP Okebechi Agora, DCP Suleyman Gulma, ACP Ikechukwu Okafor, CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho, and CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd).

The Star