Manny Ita –
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has formally submitted a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police to the Deputy Senate President, signaling a significant step toward the decentralisation of policing in Nigeria.
The submission, made in Abuja, is seen as part of ongoing efforts to address persistent security challenges across the country through structural reforms that would allow sub-national governments play a more direct role in law enforcement. The proposed framework outlines operational guidelines, jurisdictional boundaries, funding mechanisms, and accountability structures intended to guide the creation and management of state-controlled police formations.
Speaking during the presentation, Disu emphasised the urgency of reforming Nigeria’s policing architecture, stating that the current centralised system is increasingly overstretched. “This framework is designed to complement the existing security structure and ensure that policing is more responsive to local realities,” he said. He added that the proposal incorporates safeguards to prevent abuse and to ensure coordination between federal and state security agencies.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who received the document on behalf of the National Assembly leadership, described the move as timely and necessary. “This is a major milestone in our collective effort to strengthen internal security. The National Assembly will give the proposal the attention it deserves,” he said, noting that legislative backing would be critical to its eventual implementation.
The push for state police has long been a subject of national debate, with proponents arguing that decentralisation would improve intelligence gathering and rapid response to crime, while critics have raised concerns about potential misuse by state authorities. Disu, however, insisted that the framework addresses such fears through clearly defined oversight mechanisms. “Accountability and professionalism are at the core of this proposal. There are provisions to ensure that state police operate within the law and under strict supervision,” he stated.
Security analysts say the development could reshape Nigeria’s security landscape if adopted, particularly in addressing region-specific threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. The proposal is expected to undergo legislative scrutiny, public hearings, and possible constitutional amendments before any implementation can take place.
The submission comes amid growing calls from stakeholders, including governors and civil society groups, for innovative approaches to tackling insecurity, with many viewing state policing as a critical component of broader security sector reform.
