The Inspector General of Police has directed officers of the Nigeria Police Force to get ready for the possible establishment of state police, stating that the Tinubu administration is fully committed to the reform.
According to him, the federal government has already taken a firm position on the matter and preparations are underway.Speaking to senior officers, the IGP said the proposed decentralization of policing is no longer a subject of debate within government circles.
He noted that the decision reflects ongoing efforts to address security challenges across the country by bringing law enforcement closer to the communities.He called on personnel of the federal police to remain professional and adaptable as the transition process unfolds.
The IGP emphasized that the move is not aimed at undermining the existing force, but rather to complement its operations and improve response time to crime at the state and local levels.The announcement signals a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture. For years, calls for state police have centered on the need for better intelligence gathering, faster intervention, and policing that reflects local realities.
The federal government appears to be aligning with that position.While details of the implementation framework are yet to be released, the IGP assured that officers will be carried along through training and restructuring. He urged the rank and file to focus on their duties and support any policy direction designed to enhance national security.
