Thursday August 6, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Private Investigator and Security Evaluator
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu has directed officers of the Nigeria Police Force across the country to begin preparations for the possible establishment of state police formations, indicating that the Federal Government has taken a firm policy decision to decentralise policing in Nigeria, SwiftReporters reported.
Speaking at a one-day workshop on State Police, organised by the Nigeria Police Institute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the IGP described the gathering as a timely platform for critical reflection on one of Nigeria’s most significant security policy debates.
IGP Disu noted that as discussions on the creation of State Police continue to gain momentum across the country, members of the Nigeria Police Force must remain well-informed and contribute constructively to the ongoing discourse.
According to him, the workshop provides an opportunity for participants to examine the implications of State Police, raise pertinent questions, address legitimate concerns, and make meaningful contributions that would enrich national policy discussions on policing and internal security.
The IGP urged participants to engage actively and objectively throughout the deliberations, emphasizing that the knowledge acquired should not end within the walls of the conference hall.
The directive was conveyed during a recent address to senior police officers, where the IGP stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to restructuring the nation’s security architecture to improve operational efficiency, strengthen local intelligence gathering, and enhance rapid response to security threats.
According to the police chief, officers should remain professional and embrace the anticipated reforms while ensuring that ongoing policing operations are not disrupted during the transition.
He stressed that although the constitutional and legislative processes required to establish state police are still underway, the Force must begin internal preparations to ensure a seamless implementation once the legal framework is completed.
”The administration has taken a firm decision on the matter, and officers must be prepared to adapt professionally to the evolving policing structure,” the IGP said, assuring personnel that comprehensive implementation guidelines would be released at the appropriate time.
According to SwiftReporters, the police boss further advised rank-and-file officers to remain focused on their statutory responsibilities, maintain discipline, and continue providing effective security services to Nigerians pending the formal rollout of the proposed reforms.