State Police: IG’s Panel Submits Framework to Senate, Details Structure and Safeguards

A proposal outlining the structure and operation of state police in Nigeria has been submitted to the Senate, signalling movement in efforts to decentralise policing.

Olu Ogunsakin, chairman of the Nigeria Police Force Committee on State Police, presented the 75-page framework on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The document proposes moving policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing both federal and state governments to operate police services. It recommends the establishment of a Nigeria Police Service at the federal level and State Police Services at the sub-national level, with clearly defined jurisdictions to prevent overlap.

The framework outlines operational guidelines and safeguards, including retaining election security under federal control and introducing legal measures to prevent abuse of authority. It proposes that governors should not have absolute control over state police, while state assemblies would provide oversight. Independent institutions such as state police service commissions and ombudsman offices are also recommended to strengthen accountability.

The report further suggests legislation to criminalise compliance with unlawful directives issued by governors to police personnel. It provides for seamless transfer of officers between federal and state services without loss of benefits, and sets a minimum residency requirement of 10 years for applicants into state police.

In addition, the committee recommends changes to the nomenclature of policing institutions, replacing “force” with “service” to reflect a shift in approach.

The proposal is expected to guide deliberations by the National Assembly as it considers amendments to relevant sections of the Constitution. Barau Jibrin said the submission would be reviewed alongside other memoranda before the constitution review committee.

The initiative aligns with the security reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as federal and state authorities continue discussions on establishing state police to address insecurity and expand coverage across the country.