Security: Nigeria’s IGP submits operational framework, safeguards for state police

*Nigerian Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, presents draft framework for the proposed state police system, stressing the document is expected to guide the National Assembly, in Abuja, in amending the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu again, has taken a major step towards the realisation of the state police system in the country.

Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, Chairman of the State Police panel, noted IGP Disi, February 2026, had set up the panel, following his appointment and inauguration as the new Splice Chief.

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At the inauguration of the panel, Disu reportedly formulated a proposal to be presented to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Prof. Ogunsakin, who Friday, March 27 presented the draft framework for state police concept, said the report would be expected to guide the National Assembly (NASS) in amending the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Senator Barau, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Constitution Review Committee, received the report titled, “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” from Prof. Ogunsakin, in Abuja.

Highlights of State Police proposed framework

• Move policing from the Exclusive List to Concurrent Legislative List

• Establish Nigeria Police Service and State Police Services

• Define federal and state policing roles to avoid overlap

• Election security to remain under federal police as a safeguard

• Prevent governors from having absolute control over state police

• State Assemblies to oversee state policing structures

• Enact laws to criminalise compliance with illegal directives from governors

• Allow seamless transfer between federal and state police

• Applicants must have resided in a state for at least 10 years

The plan for state police being canvassed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is inching towards reality.

The statement police proposal contains the mode of operation of the policing concept, its relationship with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), some safeguards to prevent abuse, and laws to guide it, among others, according to report.

Other key recommendations include operational structure, jurisdictional safeguards and accountability mechanisms.

It was learnt the Senate Committee on Constitution Review also proposed moving policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List to make state police constitutionally feasible in Nigeria.

It also recommended clearly defined federal and state jurisdictions through enabling laws to prevent duplication of duties.

Election security and related matters, the report noted, should remain under Federal Police control as part of safeguards to address public concern.

The Committee further proposed multi-layered accountability measures to prevent absolute control by governors.

A guaranteed job security for personnel, and seamless transfer of service either to the Federal or state government without loss of pension.

As regards qualifications, applicants to state police services should have lived in the state for at least 10 years.

The framework as well recommended the establishment of state police councils, state police service commissions and ombudsman offices respectively.

State assemblies are proposed to exercise oversight of policing structures, while commissioners of police should not be appointed solely by governors to ensure operational independence.

Deletion of term ‘force’, replacement with ‘service’ in security outfits

The report also suggested the removal of ‘force’ and replacement with ‘service’ in the name of a security outfit.

Besides, the Committee proposed a Nigeria Police Service at the Federal level and a State Police Service for the sub-national level.

It also recommended a legislation to criminalise compliance with unlawful orders issued by governors to police operatives.

The Committee also said the report reflected extensive consultations and professional assessment of the legal, administrative and operational implications of state policing.

Presenting the draft document to Senator Barau, Prof. Ogunsakin reportedly stated: “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.”

Barau equally described the report as proactive, and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security agenda for the country.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, therefore, assured that the Committee would consider the framework alongside other memoranda received in the ongoing constitution review.

ConsumerConnect reports President Tinubu and State Governors earlier, had agreed on the need for state police as part of measures to get the country out of insecurity, and to cover the large ungoverned space around the country.

However, in order to actualise this security objective on state police creation, there is a need to amend the aspects of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) relating to the Nigeria Police.

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