The Inspector-General of Police,Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has proposed a structured 60-month transition plan to support the creation of state police as part of efforts to decentralise policing in Nigeria. The proposal is aimed at ensuring a smooth and coordinated shift from the current centralised policing system to one that allows states to manage their own security structures effectively.
According to the proposal, the transition would take place over five years, giving both federal and state governments enough time to establish the legal, operational, and financial frameworks required for state police to function efficiently. The plan emphasises the need for strong institutional safeguards to prevent abuse, ensure accountability, and maintain national security standards across all states.
A key component of the proposal includes the allocation of three percent of federal revenue to support the development and sustainability of state policing structures. This funding is expected to cover recruitment, training, infrastructure, and operational costs, ensuring that state police units are adequately equipped to handle local security challenges. The initiative is also designed to reduce the burden on federal security agencies while improving response times and community-based policing efforts.
The Inspector-General stressed that decentralising policing would allow for better intelligence gathering and improved collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies. He noted that state governments are better positioned to understand local security dynamics and can respond more quickly to emerging threats within their jurisdictions.
The proposal comes amid ongoing national conversations about restructuring the policing system to address rising insecurity across various parts of the country. Advocates of state police argue that a decentralised system would enhance efficiency and strengthen internal security, while critics continue to raise concerns about possible political interference and misuse of power at the state level.
The federal government is expected to review the proposal alongside other recommendations as discussions on constitutional and security reforms continue. If adopted, the plan could mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s security architecture and redefine how law enforcement is managed across the country.
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