Olushola Omogbehin
The new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has welcomed the idea of state police and set up a seven-member committee and charged them to come up with a comprehensive framework upon which state police would operate.
During the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday Disu said the committee would examine the concept of state policing as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture and improve community-based policing.
Disu said the committee would review existing policing models in Nigeria and outside Nigeria and come up with operational framework for state police structures.
“Among other responsibilities, the committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks across the country, propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of State Police structures, address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards, and resource allocation and develop robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
“This collaborative arrangement will encourage specialisation, strengthen professionalism, and ultimately deliver more effective security outcomes for our citizens,” he clarified.
Members of the committee are: Professor Olu Ogunsakin, Director-General of the National Institute for Police Studies, Abuja, as Chairman; the Secretary is Bode Ojajuni, Commissioner of Police; Deputy Commissioner of Police Okeybushi Ogora;Deputy Commissioner of Police Sulaiman Goma; Assistant Commissioner of Police Okeychukwu Okafor; Chief Superintendent of Police Tolulope Ipinmiso, and
Retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu
IGP described the assignment as “significant and timely,” noting that evolving security challenges across the country demand innovative reforms and strategic collaboration.
He said, “It is my greatest privilege to formally inaugurate this committee on state policing. The task before this committee is both significant and timely as we respond to the growing need to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security and ensure that policing remains responsive to the realities within our communities.
“State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership.
“I urge you to approach your assignment with diligence, intellectual rigour and a deep sense of patriotism. The expectations of Nigerians are high, and the outcome of your work will play a significant role in shaping the future of policing in our country,” he said.
The oath taking was done at 2:53pm on Wednesday as the committee was given given four weeks to submit its report.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, some cabinet, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and others were present
