March 27, (THEWILL) — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has submitted a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through decentralised policing.
The 75-page document, presented on Thursday, at the National Assembly in Abuja, forms part of ongoing constitutional review efforts to enhance internal security and improve law enforcement efficiency across the country.
Titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police”, the report outlines proposed operational structures, governance models, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems. It is designed to provide a clear roadmap for implementing state police while maintaining national cohesion and oversight.
The framework was submitted on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, who heads the Nigeria Police Force committee established to develop modalities for the creation of state police. The committee’s recommendations followed extensive consultations and a thorough assessment of the legal, administrative, and operational implications of decentralising policing in Nigeria.
Speaking on the submission, Disu said the document reflects the collective expertise and strategic thinking of the Nigeria Police Force, grounded in wide-ranging stakeholder engagement.
“The report captures the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and careful evaluation of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting state police in Nigeria”, he said.
He expressed confidence that the framework would enrich ongoing deliberations on constitutional amendments and support informed, balanced, and pragmatic decision-making on the country’s evolving security needs. The IGP noted that the document represents the official input of the Nigeria Police Force to the Senate Committee reviewing the 1999 Constitution.
In his response, Senator Barau commended the IGP for his proactive approach, describing the submission as timely and aligned with the administration’s broader security objectives under Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He assured that the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution would give the framework thorough consideration alongside other memoranda received as part of the amendment process.
“The committee will carefully examine this submission along with other contributions to ensure that any decision taken reflects the best interest of the nation and strengthens our security framework”, Barau said.
The development marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reform its policing system, with state police widely regarded as a potential solution to addressing localised security challenges and improving rapid response capabilities across the federation.
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