The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, has declared that the establishment of state police in Nigeria is inevitable, affirming that “state police has come to stay” as the force takes concrete steps to implement the landmark security reform .
Disu made the declaration on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, shortly after inaugurating an eight-member committee chaired by Professor Olu Ogunsakin to oversee the implementation of state policing and the rollout of his vision for the Nigeria Police Force . The inauguration marked his first formal engagement with senior officers following his confirmation as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police .
Speaking with State House correspondents after taking the oath of office administered by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the IGP addressed questions on the committee he set up to review state policing from the Nigeria Police perspective .
“We don’t want it to seem as if others are taking decisions, and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything. We want to ensure that the best thing is done,” Disu explained. “State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership” .
President’s Directive and Legislative Action
The IGP’s declaration follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to Nigerian senators to expedite action on enacting a law for the establishment of state police. The President had specifically urged the National Assembly to incorporate robust checks and balances to prevent potential abuse of police power by state governors .
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu has assured Nigerians that the constitutional amendment process required for state police will be concluded before the end of 2026, well ahead of the next general electioneering season .
Committee Mandate and Police Reforms
Addressing the top hierarchy of the force during the committee inauguration, IGP Disu emphasized that leadership is “not about position but responsibility,” stressing that professionalism and accountability must guide conduct and operations across commands nationwide .
He announced plans to strengthen internal oversight, directing that the Public Complaint Unit and X-Squad be empowered to operate independently . On decentralisation, he said the move would allow different levels of government to play an active role in security .
The IGP also assured that the welfare of officers and men would remain a top priority, stressing that improved working conditions, motivation, and professionalism are essential to enhancing the effectiveness of the force .
The state police initiative, championed by the current administration, is part of broader security sector reforms aimed at decentralising policing powers to enhance responsiveness at local levels .
—
© 2026 CDA News Nigeria. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Privacy Policy | Contact: info@cdanews.ng
—
