IGP submits State Police framework to Senate for constitutional review

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has submitted a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police to the Senate as part of ongoing efforts to decentralise policing in Nigeria.

The document was presented on Thursday to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, at his office in the National Assembly.

According to a statement by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the 75-page report was submitted on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, who heads the police committee set up to develop modalities for the creation of state police.

The document, titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” outlines proposed structures, operational guidelines and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems.

Disu explained that the report reflects extensive consultations, professional input and strategic recommendations by the Nigeria Police Force, taking into account the legal, administrative and operational implications of establishing state police.

He expressed confidence that the framework would support informed and balanced decision-making as the country considers reforms to its security architecture.

In his response, Jibrin commended the IGP for the initiative, describing it as a proactive step that aligns with the security agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He assured that the Senate committee would review the submission alongside other memoranda as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.