By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has advanced efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture by submitting a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police to the National Assembly.
The document was presented to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, at his office in Abuja on Thursday.
The 75-page framework, developed by the Nigeria Police Force, provides detailed proposals on the structure, governance, and coordination of federal and state policing systems, as part of ongoing moves to decentralise law enforcement in the country.
The report was submitted on behalf of the IGP by Olu Ogunsakin, who headed the police committee tasked with designing the modalities for the proposed state police system.
Titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” the document outlines the operational blueprint for state policing. It addresses key legal, administrative, and institutional considerations.
Disu said the framework reflects extensive consultations, professional input, and strategic evaluations undertaken by the Force to ensure that the proposed system is both practical and sustainable.
According to him, the report encapsulates stakeholders’ collective expertise and offers informed recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.
“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting state police in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the submission was intended to support the ongoing constitutional amendment process and to provide lawmakers with the critical insights needed to take balanced, informed decisions on state policing.
“We expect that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture,” the IGP stated.
The police chief noted that the document represents the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the national conversation on state police and has been formally transmitted to the Constitution Review Committee.
Responding, Jibrin commended the IGP for his proactive approach, describing the submission as a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security framework.
He said the committee will thoroughly examine the framework alongside other memoranda submitted by stakeholders as part of the constitutional review process.
The Deputy Senate President noted that the initiative aligns with Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security agenda, which seeks to strengthen safety and protect lives and property across the country.
The renewed push for state police comes amid rising security concerns nationwide and increasing calls for a decentralised policing system that would enable states to respond more effectively to local threats.
While proponents argue that state police would improve intelligence gathering and operational efficiency, concerns persist over the potential for misuse and the need for strong institutional safeguards.
With the submission of the police framework, deliberations at the National Assembly are expected to intensify as lawmakers consider far-reaching constitutional changes that could redefine policing in Nigeria.
