The debate over State Police Nigeria has entered a new phase. Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, says the reform is no longer just an idea. He urged officers to understand the proposal and prepare for its implementation.
Speaking at a one-day workshop on state policing, Disu described the plan as one of Nigeria’s biggest security reforms. He said the police must help officers understand the new system and clear public concerns.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria have made up their mind to have the state police, and it’s our duty to assist them to achieve it,” Disu said.
The IGP explained that committees, legal reviews and policy discussions have already shaped the proposed framework. He encouraged participants to ask questions and return to educate officers in their commands.
“We are leading hundreds of officers who must be told about state police, who must be educated about state police to allay their fears because there are fears everywhere,” he said.
Disu revealed that the police developed a framework within 17 days after setting up a committee. He said retired Inspectors-General also contributed valuable recommendations. The framework, however, will still receive expert input before its final adoption.
The police chief also disclosed that the committee studied policing models in countries including the United States, India and Pakistan. According to him, the findings will help shape State Police Nigeria into a system that improves security while meeting the country’s unique needs.
