The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has inaugurated a Committee on State Policing, describing the move as a critical milestone in efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s internal security framework and deepen community-based policing nationwide.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the IGP said the committee’s mandate was both urgent and strategic, stressing that Nigeria’s shifting security landscape demands innovative ideas, coordinated action and bold reforms to ensure policing aligns with local realities.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, with CP Bode Ojajuni serving as Secretary. Other members include CP Okebuchi Ogora, CP Suleiman Guma, CP Okechukwu Okagor, CSP Tolulope Ipimiso, and CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd).
Disu said the panel is tasked with designing a practical framework for the implementation of state policing in a manner that preserves the integrity of Nigeria’s national security structure. According to him, the committee will examine existing policing models both within and outside the country, evaluate community security demands, identify possible risks, and recommend an operational blueprint for establishing and coordinating state police systems.
He added that the committee would also address critical issues such as recruitment processes, training standards, funding arrangements, and the establishment of accountability and oversight mechanisms to uphold professionalism and maintain public confidence.
The IGP noted that a well-structured state policing system could bring law enforcement closer to communities, strengthen local intelligence gathering, and improve response times to emerging threats. He explained that devolving certain policing responsibilities would enable state and local authorities to better tackle security challenges within their jurisdictions, while the federal government concentrates on broader national security concerns.
Disu reassured personnel of the Nigeria Police Force that the proposed framework would not weaken the authority of the federal police. He maintained that the Force would retain its constitutional mandate as the primary national law enforcement body responsible for safeguarding internal security across the federation.
Rather, he said the reform would enhance operational efficiency by allowing the federal police to focus on complex and cross-border crimes, including terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, trafficking networks and other threats requiring nationwide coordination.
Emphasising collaboration over rivalry, the IGP urged committee members to approach their assignment with diligence, professionalism and patriotism, noting that Nigerians hold high expectations for meaningful reforms. He subsequently declared the Committee on State Police formally inaugurated and wished members fruitful deliberations.