Ex-Police Chiefs Offer Recommendations on Nigeria's State Police Framework

Former Inspector Generals of Police in Nigeria have voiced concerns and offered recommendations regarding the country's proposed state police framework. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu shared that these retired chiefs have reviewed the draft framework and provided input intended to strengthen the model before its finalization.

Speaking at a workshop organized by the National Institute of Police Studies in Abuja, Mr. Disu indicated that the deliberations with former IGPs have concluded, and their contributions will be integrated into the final document. He highlighted that the committee worked diligently to catch up with governors who had already begun developing their own proposals for state policing.

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Retired Inspectors-General of Police have visited me, and they have shown their concern. We have deliberated, and they have put their contributions into this as well.

The IGP mentioned that the committee benchmarked its recommendations against policing systems in countries with established sub-national police structures, such as India, the United States, and Pakistan. Mr. Disu also emphasized the importance of educating current senior police officers about the proposed reforms to address widespread fears and clarify the concept of state police. President Bola Tinubu has made establishing state police a key objective of his administration, aiming to enhance national security and make policing more responsive to local needs amidst Nigeria's multidimensional security challenges.

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There are fears everywhere, and it’s our duty to educate them and let them know what state police is all about.