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.
“This collaborative arrangement will encourage specialisation, strengthen professionalism, and ultimately deliver more effective security outcomes for our citizens,” he added.
The steering committee is chaired by Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, Director-General of the National Institute for Police Studies, Abuja, with CP Bode Ojajuni as secretary.
Other members are DCP Okebechi Agora, DCP Suleyman Gulma, ACP Ikechukwu Okafor, CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho and CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (retd.).
Also speaking shortly after his swearing-in as the substantive Inspector-General of Police, Disu disclosed that he had constituted a committee to develop the Nigeria Police Force’s position on the proposed establishment of state police.
He said, “The committee was set up early this morning to look into the issue of State Police from the angle of the Nigeria Police.
“We don’t want it to seem as if others are taking decisions, and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything. We want to ensure that the best thing is done,” the IG stated.
He emphasised that the police was not opposed to state police, describing it as a partnership rather than a threat to the Force.
“State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership,” Disu said.
Disu sworn-in
Disu took the oath of office at 2:53pm on Wednesday following the reading of his citation by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye.
The ceremony was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, cabinet members, and other dignitaries.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; FCT minister, Nyesom Wike; and Head of Service, Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack.
Disu’s confirmation comes barely a week after President Tinubu appointed him acting IGP following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun on February 23, 2026.
The PUNCH