IGP submits State Police framework to senate for constitutional review

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has presented a proposed framework for the creation of State Police to the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, as part of moves to decentralise policing in Nigeria.

The document was handed over on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja during a meeting with Senator Barau, who leads the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Senate President’s media aide, Ismail Mudashir, the 75-page report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, who heads the Nigeria Police Force committee tasked with examining the feasibility and structure of State Police.

Titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” the report details how State Police could be structured and managed across the country.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights, and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal, and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria. It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture,” the IGP said.

He noted that the submission represents the Nigeria Police Force’s official position on the proposed reform and has been forwarded to support ongoing constitutional review discussions.

In his response, Senator Barau commended the IGP’s initiative, describing it as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He added that the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution will assess the framework alongside other memoranda as part of efforts to amend the nation’s constitution.