In a bold move that could reshape Nigeria’s policing landscape, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Thursday submitted a detailed framework for the establishment of state police to the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, marking a key step in efforts to decentralise law enforcement across the country.
The 75-page document, presented by Olu Ogunsakin, chairman of the Nigeria Police Force committee on state policing, is titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police.” It outlines the proposed operational, administrative, and legal structures necessary for implementing state-level policing.
“This report reflects extensive consultations, professional insights, and strategic recommendations from within the Force,” Disu said, adding that the framework aims to guide balanced, practical, and effective decision-making on this critical aspect of national security.
Senator Barau praised the IGP for the proactive initiative, noting that it complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. He confirmed that the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution will examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of ongoing constitutional reform discussions.
Security analysts say the move could signal a turning point in Nigeria’s long-running debate over state police, a concept seen by many as essential to localised law enforcement but fraught with concerns over governance, accountability, and political interference.
By putting the blueprint on the table, the IGP has not only advanced the dialogue but also placed the issue firmly on the legislative radar, setting the stage for what could become a landmark shift in how policing and public safety are structured nationwide.
As deliberations unfold, all eyes will be on the Senate to see whether the framework can translate from paper into actionable reform, potentially redefining security for states across Nigeria.
IGP Delivers Blueprint for State Police to Senate, Pushing Security Reform Forward
