State Police Will Bring Law Enforcement Closer To Citizens – IGP
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu asserts that introducing state police will deepen community-based policing and improve localized intelligence gathering by bringing security infrastructure closer to citizens. Speaking in New York, the IGP noted that this decentralized structure would enhance trust and allow officers to better understand specific, local territories.
However, the police chief emphasized that the initiative is in its early stages and requires extensive stakeholder consultations, capacity building, and comparative studies of successful foreign jurisdictions. This preparatory work is vital to ensuring a successful, measured transition rather than immediate, unguided implementation.
He expressed confidence that state police would strengthen collaboration between federal and state security institutions.
“It will bring policing closer to the people because officers will better understand the communities they serve. It will take us back to the era when almost everybody knew those policing their communities,” he added.
The police chief said closer community engagement would improve intelligence gathering, public trust and rapid response to security threats.
The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to innovation, professionalism, and strategic partnerships to sustain peace, stability, and national development. This progressive stance aligns with ongoing legislative efforts, specifically the State Police Bill, which aims to modernize the nation's security framework. The proposed legislation seeks to structurally move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution.
This constitutional amendment would legally empower state governments to establish, fund, and operate their own distinct police forces. These localized forces would function alongside the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force, which is managed by the Federal Government. This dual system aims to combine localized intelligence with federal oversight to address Nigeria's diverse security challenges more effectively.
Participating in the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) at the UN headquarters in New York, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu asserted that Nigeria’s extensive sacrifices significantly strengthen global peace . He highlighted that the nation's flawless UN peacekeeping record remains a profound source of global pride. The IGP further emphasized that Nigeria has never failed in any of its assigned international missions, solidifying its reputation as one of the United Nations' most dependable and trusted contributors to global stability.
The police chief praised the bravery of Nigerian security personnel serving in conflict zones worldwide, commending their unwavering dedication. He noted that Nigeria has consistently deployed highly disciplined military troops and specialized police officers who make immense sacrifices to protect vulnerable civilian populations. This enduring track record, according to Disu, underscores the country's profound commitment to advancing international safety, fostering cross-border law enforcement cooperation, and supporting sustainable development initiatives globally.
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu reaffirmed Nigeria’s deep-rooted commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, highlighting a historic legacy of global service . He recalled that the nation's participation began in 1960 during the UN mission in the Congo, establishing Nigeria as a reliable and persistent contributor to global stability ever since. Disu emphasized that Nigerian personnel have served with exceptional distinction, leaving a notable footprint across virtually every major UN mission worldwide.
This long-standing dedication, however, has come with immense sacrifices, including the tragic loss of numerous police personnel in the line of duty. The IGP stressed that the United Nations deeply respects and prioritizes Nigeria’s contributions precisely because of this unwavering bravery and selflessness. Through these profound human sacrifices, Nigeria continues to solidifying its international reputation as a foundational pillar of global peace support operations.