IGP Submits State Police Framework to Senate Deputy President to Advance Policing Reform

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a comprehensive framework for the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a move aimed at decentralising Nigeria’s policing system.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President.

According to the statement, the 75-page report titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at the National Assembly by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee on State Police.

The Inspector General noted that the document reflects extensive consultations, professional insights, and strategic recommendations, carefully addressing the operational, legal, and administrative implications of instituting State Police across the country.

He expressed optimism that the report would support ongoing legislative deliberations and contribute to informed and balanced decisions on Nigeria’s security architecture.

Disu further explained that the framework has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official submission on the matter.

In his response, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP’s proactive approach, describing the move as timely and in line with the security agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He assured that the Senate Committee would thoroughly review the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to amend the nation’s constitution.

The proposed framework is expected to provide clear guidelines on the structure, governance, and coordination of State Police, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system.

Earlier in March, the IGP inaugurated an eight-member committee tasked with developing modalities for the implementation of State Police, including operational guidelines, coordination with federal authorities, and compliance with legal provisions.

The initiative follows President Tinubu’s reaffirmation that plans to establish State Police are ongoing, with a call for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.