By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has declared that the proposed state police structure is no longer a matter of speculation but an emerging reality, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force is prepared to play a central role in shaping its success.
Speaking to journalists after his swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Disu said the force does not view the introduction of state policing as a threat but as an opportunity for strategic collaboration.
“State police has come to stay,” he said. “From the angle of the Nigerian Police, we don’t want it to appear as if critical decisions are being taken without the input of those most concerned. We want to ensure that the best thing is done. The police should contribute meaningfully to make it succeed.”
His remarks come amid ongoing federal deliberations on a framework for implementing decentralised policing across Nigeria’s 36 states — a reform long debated as a potential solution to rising insecurity and overstretched federal security resources.
The Inspector-General was emphatic that the reform would not erode the authority or relevance of the Nigeria Police Force. Instead, he described it as a partnership model designed to enhance operational efficiency.
“The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken,” Disu added. “This is about partnership and shared responsibility.”
Security analysts say the move towards state policing represents one of the most significant structural reforms in Nigeria’s internal security architecture in decades. Proponents argue that decentralised policing could improve local intelligence gathering, faster response times and community engagement. Critics, however, have cautioned against potential political interference at the state level and uneven standards of accountability.
Disu’s comments signal an effort to position the federal police as a key stakeholder in the reform process rather than an institution resisting change. Officials say a committee tasked with fine-tuning the implementation framework will work to ensure coordination between federal and state authorities.
As the debate moves from theory to execution, the Inspector-General’s endorsement may help ease institutional tensions and pave the way for a cooperative security model aimed at strengthening public safety nationwide.
