Ogunsakin, Ojajuni to coordinate framework for state policing

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated an eight-member committee to drive the implementation of state police.

Watchers say the move shows the Federal Government’s push to reform Nigeria’s security system and develop a workable framework for decentralised policing across the country.

Disu described the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture and deepening community-based policing, stressing that the nation’s evolving security challenges demand innovative thinking, strategic collaboration and bold reforms.

“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to play its constitutional role as the primary national law enforcement institution responsible for maintaining internal security across the federation,” he said.

Disu added that the reform would allow the federal police to concentrate on complex and transnational crimes such as terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, trafficking networks and other threats requiring national coordination.

“The vision we seek is one of synergy, not competition; partnership, not duplication,” the police chief said.

Disu urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with diligence, professionalism and patriotism, noting that Nigerians are eager to see meaningful reforms in the country’s security architecture.

The committee is chaired by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, while the Commissioner of Police in charge of INTERPOL, Bode Ojajuni will serve as Secretary.

Other members include:
• CP Okebuchi Ogora
• CP Suleiman Guma
• CP Okechukwu Okagor
• CSP Tolulope Ipimiso
• CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd)

Disu said the committee will:
• Review policing models within and outside Nigeria
• Assess security needs in communities across the country
• Identify potential risks associated with decentralised policing
• Propose an operational structure for the establishment and coordination of state police systems

The panel will also examine key issues such as recruitment procedures, training standards, funding structures, resource allocation and oversight mechanisms required to sustain professionalism and public confidence in the policing system.

Disu said if properly designed and implemented, state policing could bring law enforcement closer to communities, enhance local intelligence gathering and ensure quicker responses to emerging threats.

Disu also noted that decentralisation will empower state and local governments to participate in security management, enhancing intelligence gathering and responsiveness to local threats.