Police not responsible for delay in establishment of state Police, IGP clarifies

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Key points

• The Inspector-General of Police says the Nigeria Police Force is not responsible for delays in establishing state police.
• The IGP describes the creation of state police as a constitutional matter requiring legislative action at federal and state levels.
• Stakeholders in Anambra renewed calls for state police and improved support for security agencies.

Main story

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has dismissed claims that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is responsible for the delay in the establishment of state police across the country.

Speaking through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, at a stakeholders’ security meeting in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday, the IGP said the creation of state police remains a constitutional issue beyond the authority of the police.

He explained that while the police support initiatives aimed at strengthening security architecture, the legal framework required for state policing can only be achieved through constitutional amendments by the National Assembly and endorsement by state legislatures.

According to him, the National Assembly must first amend the laws establishing the Nigeria Police Force, after which at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly must approve the amendment before state police can become operational.

The IGP noted that the establishment of state police would complement the efforts of the national police in preventing and combating crime, particularly at the grassroots level.

He urged stakeholders to remain patient as lawmakers continue deliberations on the matter.

The issues

Calls for the establishment of state police have intensified in recent years amid rising security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts, and other forms of criminality across Nigeria.

Proponents argue that state police would enhance local intelligence gathering, improve response times, and strengthen community-based policing.

However, concerns have also been raised about the potential misuse of state police by political actors, prompting calls for robust legal safeguards and accountability mechanisms.

The debate has remained one of the most prominent security reform issues under consideration by policymakers.

What’s being said

The IGP stressed the importance of collaboration between security agencies and citizens, noting that effective policing cannot be achieved without public support.

“There is a need for more collaboration with the police and other security agencies because security agencies alone cannot secure the country,” he said.

He encouraged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community leaders, business groups and other stakeholders to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities to enable prompt intervention by security agencies.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, described security as a critical requirement for social and economic development.

“Security is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration, trust and continuous dialogue with stakeholders from all sectors,” he said.

According to Orutugu, sustained cooperation between communities and security agencies has contributed to the reduction of crime in Anambra State.

What’s next

Stakeholders at the meeting called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to accelerate efforts towards the establishment of state police as part of broader security sector reforms.

They also commended the Anambra State Government and the State House of Assembly for establishing local vigilance outfits, Udogachi and Agunechemba, to support conventional security agencies in crime prevention and law enforcement.

In addition, participants advocated improved welfare packages, enhanced training, and modern equipment for both police personnel and local security operatives to strengthen security nationwide.

Bottom line

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its support for measures aimed at improving security but insists that the creation of state police is a constitutional matter requiring legislative action. As debates continue, stakeholders are urging policymakers to fast-track reforms while strengthening collaboration between communities and security agencies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.