Tunji Disu says state police has come to stay
Acting Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has stated that the creation of state police in Nigeria is becoming inevitable, declaring that the concept has effectively “come to stay” as the country continues to search for stronger security solutions.
Disu made the remark while speaking about ongoing conversations on security reforms across the country. He explained that the rising complexity of security challenges requires innovative approaches that allow states to take greater responsibility for maintaining law and order within their jurisdictions. According to him, the current policing structure has limitations when dealing with localized threats that require immediate and community-based responses.
The acting police chief noted that many stakeholders, including government officials, security experts, and community leaders, have increasingly supported the idea of decentralizing policing. He said allowing states to operate their own police units could help improve intelligence gathering, strengthen rapid response to crimes, and enhance coordination with local authorities.
Nigeria currently operates a centralized policing system under the Nigeria Police Force, which oversees security operations across all states. However, critics have long argued that the structure places excessive pressure on federal authorities while limiting the ability of state governments to respond quickly to security incidents within their territories.
Supporters of state policing believe the reform would allow states to address security concerns based on local realities and cultural understanding. They argue that locally recruited officers would have deeper knowledge of their communities, making it easier to prevent crimes and resolve conflicts before they escalate.
Despite growing support, the proposal has also generated debate among policymakers and security analysts. Some critics worry that state police forces could be misused by political leaders for partisan purposes. Others argue that strict legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms would be necessary to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
Disu maintained that discussions about security reforms should focus on practical solutions that improve public safety. He stressed that as Nigeria continues to face evolving security threats, new approaches such as state policing must be carefully considered to strengthen the country’s overall security architecture.
About the Author
