IGP Tunji Disu Sets Up Panel to Propose Framework For State Police
Newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a committee on the establishment of state police.
As part of ongoing discussions on policing reforms, President Bola Tinubu, had, last Wednesday, during the breaking of fast with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments to provide for the establishment of state police.
The President said decentralised policing would strengthen security at the grassroots and improve rapid response to threats within states, noting that the current centralised structure required constitutional review to accommodate the proposed reform.
Speaking during the inauguration, Disu said the committee’s task was to examine the concept of state policing as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture and improve community-based policing.
He said the committee would review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs, propose an operational framework for state police structures, and address issues of recruitment, training, standards, funding, accountability and oversight.
“Among other responsibilities, the committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks across the country, propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of State Police structures, address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards, and resource allocation and develop robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust,” he said.
Disu said state police formation could provide localised policing services focused on community safety, conflict prevention, neighbourhood patrols, and early response to emerging threats.
