The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has expressed confidence that the proposed establishment of state police will strengthen community policing, improve intelligence gathering and bring security services closer to Nigerians.
Disu made the remarks on Friday in New York while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit.
According to the police chief, the proposed policing structure would enable officers to have a better understanding of the communities they serve, thereby fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents.
He, however, noted that the implementation of state police would require careful planning, consultations and learning from countries where similar systems are already in operation.
“We are still at the teething stage. We need experience, education and comparative studies from jurisdictions already practising state police,” Disu said.
He added that state police would encourage closer cooperation between federal and state security agencies while enhancing intelligence gathering and rapid 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 said.
The Inspector-General reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, innovation and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting 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, it would allow state governments to establish, finance and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking on Nigeria’s role in global peacekeeping, Disu described the country’s record under the United Nations as outstanding, noting that Nigeria has remained one of the organisation’s most dependable contributors.
He recalled that Nigeria began participating in UN peacekeeping operations in the Congo in 1960 and has continued to deploy personnel to missions across the world.
“There is virtually no UN mission where you will not find Nigerian personnel serving with distinction,” he said.
Disu also paid tribute to Nigerian security personnel who have served in international peacekeeping missions, acknowledging the sacrifices made, including the loss of lives in the line of duty.
“The United Nations will never joke with Nigeria’s contributions because of our commitment and sacrifices,” he added.
