The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has expressed strong support for the proposed creation of state police, saying the new policing structure will bring security services closer to the people and improve the country’s fight against crime.
Speaking amid growing national discussions on the planned introduction of state police, the police chief said decentralising policing would strengthen community-based security and allow officers to better understand the areas where they serve.
According to Disu, effective policing depends largely on familiarity with local communities, their culture, terrain and security challenges. He noted that officers who live and work within communities are better positioned to gather useful intelligence and respond quickly to criminal activities.
He said the proposed state police system would restore a model in which residents know the officers protecting their neighbourhoods, while security personnel also understand the people they are responsible for safeguarding.
The Inspector-General added that stronger relationships between security agencies and local communities would encourage residents to volunteer timely information, making it easier to prevent crimes before they occur rather than responding after incidents have taken place.
Disu also expressed confidence that the proposed arrangement would improve cooperation between federal and state security institutions, leading to more coordinated efforts against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes affecting different parts of the country.
His comments come as Nigeria moves closer to adopting a dual policing system following recent legislative progress on the state police proposal. The Senate has already passed the constitutional amendment bill, while work is ongoing to establish the legal framework needed for its implementation.
Supporters of the proposal argue that state police will improve response times, enhance intelligence gathering and provide security agencies with a better understanding of local issues that often influence crime and public safety.
However, the initiative has continued to generate debate, with some stakeholders calling for strong constitutional safeguards to prevent political interference and ensure accountability once state police become operational.
Despite the concerns, the Inspector-General maintained that bringing policing closer to communities would ultimately strengthen public confidence in law enforcement and contribute to a safer Nigeria.