Disu says implementation requires consultations, capacity building as Nigeria reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Ditsu has said the proposed establishment of state police will bring law enforcement closer to communities, deepen intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration between federal and state security institutions.
Speaking with journalists in New York on Friday on the sidelines of the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit, the IGP said the initiative would enhance community-based policing and improve the country’s overall security architecture.
The police chief noted that although the proposal holds significant promise, its implementation would require extensive consultations, comparative studies and capacity building before full operationalisation.
“We are still at the teething stage. We need experience, education and comparative studies from jurisdictions already practising state police,” he said.
According to him, decentralising policing will enable officers to better understand the communities they serve, thereby improving intelligence gathering, public confidence and response to security threats.
“It will bring policing closer to the people because officers will better understand the communities they serve. It will take us back to the era when almost everybody knew those policing their communities.”
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to innovation, professionalism and strategic partnerships aimed at sustaining peace, security and national development.
The proposed State Police Bill seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution.
If passed, the legislation will empower state governments to establish, fund and operate their own police forces alongside the federally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
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The IGP also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, describing the country’s record as a source of global pride.
He said Nigeria has remained one of the UN’s most dependable peacekeeping contributors since joining its first mission in Congo in 1960.
“There is virtually no UN mission where you will not find Nigerian personnel serving with distinction,” he said.
The IGP praised Nigerian military and police personnel serving in peacekeeping missions across the world, noting that many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of duty.
“The United Nations will never joke with Nigeria’s contributions because of our commitment and sacrifices,” he added.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to supporting global peace, stability and security through its continued participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.