The proposed establishment of state police forces across Nigeria is set to significantly enhance community-based policing and bolster intelligence-gathering capabilities. Speaking at the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit in New York, police chief Tunji Disu emphasized that localizing security operations will bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement.
According to Disu, decentralizing the police force will foster closer relationships between officers and the neighborhoods they protect. This approach aims to restore an era where community members and local security personnel possessed mutual familiarity, thereby building public trust and enabling rapid responses to emerging security threats.
A Transition Process Guided by Thorough Planning
Despite the immense potential of the initiative, Disu cautioned that the transition to decentralized policing is currently in its “teething stage.” He noted that the full implementation of state police forces will require deliberate, step-by-step preparation rather than a rushed rollout.
To ensure success, the transition will involve:
- Extensive consultations with key national and local stakeholders.
- Comparative studies of successful state and regional policing models in other global jurisdictions.
- Comprehensive capacity-building and training programs for new personnel.
- Strengthened collaborative frameworks to align federal and state security operations.
The proposed transition hinges on the State Police Bill, which aims to amend the Nigerian Constitution by moving policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. This constitutional amendment would grant state governments the legal authority to fund, establish, and manage their own security forces alongside the centrally controlled federal police.
Nigeria’s Illustrious Record in Global Peacekeeping
In addition to discussing domestic security reforms, Disu highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing and prestigious contributions to global peace and stability. Since first deploying personnel to the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has remained one of the United Nations’ most reliable partners in international peacekeeping missions.
Disu praised the dedication and bravery of Nigerian military and police personnel serving worldwide, noting that the country’s contributions have come at a heavy cost, including the loss of courageous officers. He affirmed that the United Nations deeply values Nigeria’s sacrifices, which continue to foster global stability and development.