State police creation gains momentum as IGP Disu constitutes implementation committee
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has inaugurated an eight-member committee to drive the implementation of state police, marking a significant step toward decentralised policing in Nigeria.
The committee will be led by Olu Ogunsakin, a professor of police studies, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members of the committee include: Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor, Tolulope Ipinmisho, and Emmanuel Ojukwu.
Speaking during the inauguration, Disu, who was recently appointed as IGP, asked the committee to propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
The IGP asked the committee to review issues pertaining to training, recruitment, resource allocation, and oversight mechanisms necessary for the state police structures.
Disu said the decentralisation of the police will enable state government and local authorities to respond to specific security challenges within their jurisdictions.
“It is my greatest privilege to formally inaugurate this committee on state policing. The task before this committee is both significant and timely as it speaks to our reflective demand to strengthen Nigeria’s security,” he said
“The committee we are inaugurating today has a critical responsibility. Your work will help shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria in a manner that strengthens, rather than fragments, our national security system.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as ours.
“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; develop robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
“If thoughtfully designed and effectively implemented, State Policing holds significant potential benefits for our country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats.”
