Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has said the proposed State Police system will bring law enforcement closer to communities, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration between federal and state security institutions across Nigeria.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on Friday, Disu said the proposed State Police framework would reinforce community-based policing by enabling officers to better understand the communities they serve.
According to him, the initiative is expected to improve intelligence gathering, increase public trust and support faster responses to security threats.
“It will bring policing closer to the people because officers will better understand the communities they serve. It will take us back to the era when almost everybody knew those policing their communities,” he said.
Despite expressing optimism about the reform, the police chief stressed that the initiative remains in its early stages and would require careful planning before becoming operational.
He explained that implementation would involve broad consultations, comparative studies of countries already operating state policing systems and extensive capacity building.
“We are still at the teething stage. We need experience, education and comparative studies from jurisdictions already practising state police,” Disu stated.
He added that the proposed system would strengthen cooperation between federal and state security institutions once fully implemented.
The proposed State Police Bill aims to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of Nigeria’s Constitution.
If approved, the amendment would allow state governments to establish, finance and operate their own police services alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
Supporters of the proposal argue that decentralising policing could improve local security management and enhance crime prevention through stronger community engagement.
Disu made the remarks while participating in the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international peacekeeping operations, describing the country as one of the United Nations’ most dependable contributors.
According to the IGP, Nigeria has consistently deployed troops and police officers to UN peacekeeping missions since its first participation in the Congo mission in 1960.
“There is virtually no UN mission where you will not find Nigerian personnel serving with distinction,” he said.
Disu also paid tribute to Nigerian security personnel who have lost their lives during international peacekeeping assignments, noting that the country’s sacrifices continue to earn global recognition.
“The United Nations will never joke with Nigeria’s contributions because of our commitment and sacrifices,” he added.
The police chief reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, innovation and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting peace, national security and sustainable development.
