State Police will move policing closer to communities, strengthen intelligence gathering and improve public trust in law enforcement, according to Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, who says the proposed system could significantly enhance Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on Friday, Disu said establishing State Police would reinforce community-based policing by allowing officers to better understand the people and environments they serve.
He explained that closer interaction between security personnel and residents would improve intelligence gathering and enable quicker 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.
According to the police chief, stronger community engagement would also build public confidence in law enforcement while enhancing collaboration between citizens and security agencies.
Despite expressing support for the initiative, Disu stressed that the process remains in its early stages and would require extensive planning before implementation.
He noted that authorities must undertake consultations, capacity building and comparative studies of countries already operating state policing systems.
“We are still at the teething stage. We need experience, education and comparative studies from jurisdictions already practising state police,” he stated.
He added that the proposed arrangement would strengthen cooperation between federal and state security institutions once fully operational.
The proposed State Police Bill aims to transfer policing from Nigeria’s Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution.
If approved, the amendment would empower state governments to establish, fund and operate their own police services alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
Supporters believe the reform would decentralise policing and improve security responses across the country.
Disu made the remarks while participating in the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit at the UN Headquarters in New York.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to international peacekeeping operations, describing the country as one of the United Nations’ most dependable contributors.
According to the IGP, Nigerian troops and police officers have consistently distinguished themselves in peace missions around the world since the country’s first deployment to Congo 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 served under United Nations peacekeeping missions, noting that many officers had made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace.
He maintained that Nigeria’s commitment and contributions continue to earn international recognition.
“The United Nations will never joke with Nigeria’s contributions because of our commitment and sacrifices,” the Inspector-General said.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, innovation and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting national security, peace and sustainable development.
