The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has revealed that the police committee tasked with developing the framework for Nigeria’s proposed state police system conducted extensive comparative studies of policing models in India, the United States and Pakistan before finalising its recommendations.
Speaking on Thursday at a workshop on state police held in Abuja, the IGP said the research was aimed at designing a workable and context-specific structure that addresses Nigeria’s unique security challenges while drawing useful lessons from countries that already operate state or decentralised policing systems.
“A lot of comparative analysis has been done. We have taken time to study nations where they have state police India, America and even Pakistan and how things work there,” Disu stated.
The workshop, organised to educate senior police officers on the proposed state police structure, also sought to address concerns and allay fears surrounding its implementation. The IGP emphasised that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has already made a firm decision to establish state police, and it is the duty of the Nigeria Police Force to support the process.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has made up its mind to have state police, and it is our duty to assist them to achieve it. This is not the issue of us only. This is the issue of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Disu further disclosed that retired Inspectors-General of Police had visited him to share their concerns and contributions, which have been incorporated into the ongoing deliberations. He urged participants at the workshop to treat the discussions with seriousness and make meaningful inputs toward refining the framework.
The development of a state police system forms part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture, with the proposed dual structure expected to create a Federal Police Service focused on national security issues and State Police Services responsible for local law enforcement and community policing.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and the successful implementation of a policing model that enhances security, accountability and public trust across the federation.