The push for state police in Nigeria is gaining momentum, with the Inspector General of Police formally presenting a detailed framework to the National Assembly for consideration.
Calls for the creation of state police have grown stronger as insecurity worsens.
Advocates argue that decentralizing law enforcement could enhance intelligence collection and enable quicker responses to local threats.
The 75-page proposal outlines how a state policing system could be structured and implemented across the country.
The document was delivered to the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, by the Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu, at the National Assembly in Abuja, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to decentralize policing and strengthen internal security, titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” the report details how federal and state police forces would operate side by side, including their structure, governance, and coordination mechanisms.
According to the Inspector General, the report is the result of extensive consultations and professional assessments, addressing the legal, operational, and administrative implications of creating state police.
The report captures strategic recommendations derived from broad consultations and careful evaluation of instituting state police in Nigeria.
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The police chief expressed confidence that the document would support lawmakers in making informed and balanced decisions as part of broader security reforms.
The proposal has now been formally transmitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, serving as the Nigeria Police Force’s official position on the long-debated issue.
Responding, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, described the submission as timely and proactive.
He assured that the committee would carefully review the framework alongside other submissions as part of ongoing constitutional amendments.
Calls for state police have intensified amid rising insecurity. Supporters say decentralization could improve intelligence gathering and rapid response to local threats.
However, critics warn of potential misuse by state authorities, stressing the need for strong legal safeguards.
With this latest submission, the debate is expected to gain fresh traction in the National Assembly, as lawmakers consider reforms that could redefine Nigeria’s policing structure.
The Senate Committee’s review is expected to play a key role in shaping any constitutional amendments on state policing in the months ahead.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
