In a significant step toward decentralizing policing in Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has submitted a comprehensive framework for the creation of State Police to the Senate. The initiative is aimed at enhancing security management across the country by devolving certain policing responsibilities to the state level.
On Thursday, the IGP’s framework was formally presented to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The submission took place at the senator’s office within the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, the 75-page document was submitted on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin. Professor Ogunsakin heads the committee established by the Nigeria Police Force to examine the modalities for instituting State Police in the country.
Titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” the document details the proposed structure, governance, and operational procedures for State Police. It reflects extensive consultations, professional insights, and strategic recommendations from within the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking on the submission, IGP Disu emphasized the importance of the report in shaping national security policy, stating, “The report captures considered views, professional insights, and strategic recommendations derived from careful assessment of operational, legal, and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria. We expect that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in making informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”
The report has been officially forwarded to the Chairman and members of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s formal input on the subject.
Responding to the submission, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for the proactive initiative, noting that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to strengthen national security. He added that the Senate Committee would thoroughly examine the framework alongside other memoranda submitted for the constitutional review, ensuring that any recommendations are carefully considered in line with Nigeria’s security needs and governance objectives.
