IG Says State Police Will Improve Security Across Nigeria

Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has said the proposed state police system will bring law enforcement closer to Nigerians by strengthening community policing and improving intelligence gathering. He made this known on Friday in New York during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria while attending the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit.

Disu explained that although the idea of state police is gaining support, the country is still at the early stage of the process. He said consultations, training, research and lessons from countries already operating state police systems would be necessary before full implementation.

According to him, a decentralised policing structure will allow officers to understand the communities they serve better because they will be more familiar with local people and their environment. He said this approach would improve trust between residents and security agencies, encourage the sharing of useful information and enable faster responses to criminal activities.

The police chief also said the proposed system would strengthen cooperation between federal and state security institutions, making it easier to address security challenges across the country. He added that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to improving professionalism, embracing innovation and building partnerships that will support peace, security and national development.

The proposed State Police Bill currently before the National Assembly seeks to transfer policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. If approved, state governments will have the constitutional authority to establish, finance and manage their own police formations alongside the Nigeria Police Force, which is under the control of the Federal Government.

While speaking at the summit, Disu also praised Nigeria’s record in United Nations peacekeeping missions. He said the country has remained one of the UN’s most reliable contributors since it joined peacekeeping operations in Congo in 1960.

He noted that Nigerian police officers and military personnel have served with distinction in several international peacekeeping missions over the years. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by many Nigerian officers who lost their lives while carrying out peacekeeping duties, adding that the country’s dedication has earned it respect within the United Nations.