The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has clarified that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is not responsible for any delay in the establishment of State Police, describing the matter as a constitutional issue that lies squarely with the National Assembly and State Assemblies.
IGP Disu, who was represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Kenechukwu Onwuemelie in charge of the South East, made the statement on Tuesday during a Stakeholders Meeting on Security in Anambra State.
“The power to create the State Police is a constitutional issue that resides with the National and State Assemblies,” the IGP emphasized. He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force has been proactive in contributing to the discourse on policing reforms, including the development of frameworks for the coexistence of federal and state police structures.
The IGP reassured officers and men of the Force that the proposed State Police will not lead to the abolition or dismantling of the Nigeria Police Force. Instead, it is expected to evolve into a strengthened Federal Police Service focused on national and trans-national security threats, while state police handle localized community policing.
He further noted that the Police leadership had set up a committee to develop operational frameworks, drawing lessons from other countries, and submitted recommendations to the National Assembly to ensure a seamless transition that protects the ranks, pensions, and welfare of serving officers.
IGP Disu called for continued collaboration among all security stakeholders to address current security challenges while the constitutional processes for State Police are finalized.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its constitutional mandate of maintaining law and order and will continue to work closely with the Federal Government, State Governors, and other partners to enhance security across the nation.