The newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has expressed firm support for the establishment of state police across Nigeria, describing the initiative as both timely and inevitable.
Speaking shortly after his swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Disu addressed members of the committee on state police implementation, emphasizing the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to actively participate in shaping the proposed framework. According to him, the move toward decentralised policing should not be viewed as a threat to the existing structure of the force, but rather as a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening national security architecture.
He noted that the police leadership is determined to ensure that the institution plays a central role in the design and execution of the new system. “From the angle of the Nigerian Police, we don’t want it to appear as though critical decisions are being made without the input of those directly concerned,” Disu said. “We want to ensure that the best possible model is adopted. The police must contribute meaningfully and perform their part in making the initiative succeed.”
The IGP dismissed fears that the creation of state police would undermine the authority or relevance of the federal police structure. Instead, he described the development as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between federal and subnational security agencies. “The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It is simply an issue of partnership,” he added.
The push for state police gained renewed momentum after President Bola Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite legislative processes necessary for its establishment. Advocates argue that decentralised policing would enhance responsiveness to local security challenges, improve intelligence gathering, and foster stronger community relations.
With the IGP’s endorsement, the conversation around state police appears to be entering a new phase, marked by institutional cooperation and a shared commitment to reforming Nigeria’s internal security framework.
