The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has formally presented a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to decentralise its policing structure.
The submission, which took place on Thursday at Senator Barau’s office within the National Assembly complex in Abuja, forms part of broader consultations and institutional contributions to the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. Senator Barau currently chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, which is tasked with considering proposals aimed at strengthening governance and addressing structural challenges across the country.
Details of the development were contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, Ismail Mudashir. According to the statement, the document—running into 75 pages—was submitted on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, who heads a specialised committee established by the Nigeria Police Force to examine the modalities for creating state police.
The report, titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” provides an extensive roadmap for the proposed decentralised policing system. It outlines operational structures, governance mechanisms, and coordination strategies between federal and state policing authorities, with the aim of enhancing security delivery across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
According to the IGP, the framework is the product of wide-ranging consultations and expert input, reflecting deep professional insights into the complexities surrounding policing in a federal system. He noted that the document carefully considers the operational, legal, and administrative implications of establishing state police, a subject that has remained at the centre of national discourse on security reform.
“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture,” the IGP stated.
He further explained that the submission represents the official position and contribution of the Nigeria Police Force to the constitutional amendment process currently underway at the National Assembly. The move underscores the Force’s recognition of the urgent need to rethink and strengthen Nigeria’s security framework in response to evolving threats.
The call for state police has gained increasing traction in recent years, amid growing concerns over insecurity, including banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and communal clashes in different parts of the country. Advocates argue that decentralising policing would enable more localised and responsive security operations, while critics have raised concerns about potential abuse and the need for strong oversight mechanisms.
The newly submitted framework is expected to address many of these concerns by proposing clear guidelines for accountability, coordination, and operational efficiency between federal and state policing systems. It is also anticipated to provide safeguards against misuse, while ensuring that state police formations operate within the bounds of the law and national standards.
In his response, Senator Barau Jibrin commended the Inspector-General of Police for what he described as a proactive and forward-thinking initiative. He noted that the submission aligns with the broader security agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has prioritised reforms aimed at strengthening national security and improving governance.
Barau assured that the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution would give due consideration to the framework, alongside other memoranda and submissions received from stakeholders across the country. He emphasised the importance of a thorough and inclusive review process to ensure that any constitutional amendments reflect the collective aspirations of Nigerians.
“This is a critical contribution to our ongoing work,” Barau said, adding that the committee remains committed to examining all proposals objectively in order to arrive at solutions that will enhance security and national unity.
Observers note that the submission of the framework by the Nigeria Police Force could play a pivotal role in shaping legislative discussions around state policing. As one of the primary institutions responsible for internal security, the input of the police is expected to carry significant weight in the deliberations.
The constitutional review process has opened a window for addressing long-standing structural issues within Nigeria’s governance system, with state police remaining one of the most debated topics. While there is broad agreement on the need for improved security, stakeholders continue to differ on the best approach to achieving it.
Security experts have argued that any move toward state policing must be accompanied by robust legal frameworks, adequate funding, and effective oversight to prevent political interference and ensure professionalism. They also stress the need for capacity building and clear delineation of responsibilities between federal and state authorities.
As the National Assembly continues its review of the 1999 Constitution, the IGP’s framework is expected to serve as a key reference point in discussions on policing reform. Its recommendations, if adopted, could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to law enforcement and internal security.
For now, all eyes remain on the Senate Committee and its deliberations, as Nigerians await concrete steps toward addressing the country’s persistent security challenges through institutional reform.
