State Police: IGP Disu Dismisses Reports of Delay Tactics, Says Process is Constitutional Matter

June 24 () — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has dismissed allegations that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is responsible for delays in the establishment of state police, insisting that the creation of state-controlled policing structures remains strictly a constitutional matter to be decided by the National Assembly and state legislatures.

Disu made the clarification on Tuesday in Awka, Anambra State, during a Stakeholders’ Meeting on Security, where he was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie.

The IGP’s remarks come amid renewed national debate over the establishment of state police following President Bola Tinubu’s transmission of a Constitution Alteration Bill to the National Assembly seeking to create a legal framework for decentralised policing across the federation.

Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, Disu said the police hierarchy neither possesses the constitutional authority to create state police nor the power to obstruct the process.

He stressed that the establishment of state police can only be achieved through constitutional amendments approved by the National Assembly and ratified by the required number of State Houses of Assembly.

“The power to create the state police is a constitutional issue that resides with the National and State Assemblies.

“When the National Assembly makes provision to amend the law establishing the Nigeria Police Force, and goes on to amend it, then two-thirds of the State Assemblies must consent to it,” he said.

The police chief acknowledged that the creation of state police could significantly strengthen the country’s security framework and complement the efforts of the Federal Police in combating crime and maintaining law and order.

According to him, decentralised policing has the potential to improve intelligence gathering, enhance local security responses, and support efforts to tackle emerging threats at the grassroots level.

Disu urged stakeholders to exercise patience while lawmakers continue deliberations on the proposed constitutional amendments.

He expressed confidence that the National Assembly was committed to ensuring a thorough legislative process capable of producing a framework that balances local policing needs with national security interests.

The IGP also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and members of the public, noting that effective policing requires active participation from communities and other stakeholders.

He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, civil society organisations, business groups, and residents to provide timely and credible intelligence on suspicious activities within their localities.

According to him, early warning information remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime and enabling security agencies to respond promptly to threats.

Disu further emphasised that security agencies alone cannot effectively secure the country without public support and cooperation.

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

Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, underscored the critical role of security in promoting development and social stability.

He described security as a collective responsibility that requires continuous engagement, trust, and cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, and citizens.

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

This collaboration has helped in reducing crime in Anambra,” Orutugu said.

The commissioner credited ongoing partnerships between the police, local communities, and other stakeholders for improvements in security across parts of the state.

He called for sustained synergy among all actors involved in security management to consolidate the gains already achieved and address emerging challenges.

The renewed debate over state police comes as the National Assembly intensifies work on constitutional amendments aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s policing framework.

Advocates maintain that the current centrally controlled policing system is overstretched and inadequate to address the country’s complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal violence.

However, concerns persist over issues such as funding, accountability, operational coordination, and the possibility of political interference in state-controlled police formations.

Several participants at the meeting commended the Anambra State Government and the State House of Assembly for establishing local vigilance outfits, including Udogachi and Agunechemba, to support the efforts of the police and other security agencies in crime prevention and intelligence gathering.

The stakeholders noted that the community-based security initiatives have contributed significantly to improving safety in various parts of the state and urged authorities to strengthen their operational capacities.

They also renewed calls on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to expedite action on the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve grassroots security and enhance the country’s overall security architecture.

The stakeholders further advocated improved funding, better equipment, enhanced training, and improved welfare packages for police personnel and members of local vigilance groups to boost their effectiveness.