The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasized that the establishment of state police will significantly enhance security delivery by bringing policing closer to the people across Nigeria.
Speaking at a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting, the IGP highlighted the potential of state policing to address local security challenges more effectively through improved intelligence gathering, faster response times, and greater community engagement.
“State police will bring security closer to Nigerians,” the IGP stated. “By decentralizing certain aspects of policing while maintaining federal oversight, we can create a more responsive and accountable security architecture that meets the unique needs of our diverse states and communities.”
The IGP reassured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to collaborating with state authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of this initiative. He called for adequate funding, proper training, and robust safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure professionalism.
This development comes amid ongoing national debates on constitutional amendments to enable state policing, aimed at tackling rising insecurity including banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Proponents argue it will empower governors as chief security officers with the necessary tools, building on successes seen in community policing models.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to work closely with other security agencies, the National Security Adviser, and state governments to strengthen overall national security.