State Police: IG Framework, DAWN Regional Strategy

Nigeria Moves Closer to Decentralised Policing with State Police Framework Submission

Nigeria is taking a significant stride towards reforming its security architecture with the recent submission of a comprehensive framework for the establishment of state police. This development, spearheaded by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, represents a crucial step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to decentralise policing powers and effectively combat escalating security challenges.

The Inspector General formally presented the detailed blueprint to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The meeting, held at the National Assembly in Abuja, underscores the seriousness with which the legislative arm is treating this pivotal issue.

This pivotal submission coincides with parallel efforts in the South-West geopolitical zone. The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission), in collaboration with security experts and other stakeholders, convened in Ibadan, Oyo State, to develop an operational framework specifically tailored for the proposed state policing system in their region. This technical session, titled “Foundational Imperatives for State Police in South-West Nigeria,” aimed to chart a course for efficient and locally relevant policing.

The concept of state police has been a recurring theme in Nigeria’s security discourse, with President Bola Tinubu reiterating his commitment to its establishment. As far back as February 2026, the President pledged that the creation of state police to tackle insecurity would not be delayed, assuring Nigerians that his administration’s promise to enhance security through this decentralised approach remained a priority.

Key Details of the Police Framework

The 75-page framework, submitted to the Senate on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, chairman of the police committee on state police, outlines a detailed plan for the establishment, governance, and coordination of both federal and state police forces. Titled “A comprehensive framework for the establishment, governance and coordination of federal and state police,” the document delves into the proposed operational structure and its integration with the existing federal policing system.

The submission, as detailed in a statement by Barau’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, represents the Nigeria Police Force’s considered views, professional insights, and strategic recommendations. These were derived from extensive consultations and a thorough assessment of the operational, legal, and administrative implications of implementing state police across Nigeria. The Police Force expressed its expectation that the report’s contents will significantly contribute to informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions regarding this critical aspect of national security. The report has now been forwarded to the Senate committee responsible for constitutional amendments.

Senator Barau Jibrin commended the Inspector General for his proactive approach, noting that the submission aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s security agenda to bolster internal security nationwide. He assured that the committee would meticulously review the framework alongside other submitted memoranda as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Regional Initiatives: A Proactive Approach in the South-West

The DAWN Commission’s initiative in Ibadan reflects a growing recognition of the need for regional input in the state policing debate. Seye Oyeleye, the Director-General of DAWN Commission, explained that the roundtable session was convened in response to the increasing momentum at the federal level for the establishment of state police.

Oyeleye highlighted that the current administration has placed state police at the forefront of its security measures. He noted that with the bill already before the National Assembly, the South-West region decided to proactively develop a common template for how state police could operate efficiently within their specific context, rather than waiting for a national framework to be finalised.

He stressed that while a national framework is essential, regional peculiarities must be considered for an effective policing system. With a population exceeding 200 million and a limited number of active police personnel, the current federal model faces significant challenges. The DAWN Commission’s aim is to create a guiding template for the six South-Western states, acknowledging that while a common approach is desirable, individual states will have unique needs and characteristics, reflecting the federal nature of the country. The commission aims to avoid a “one size fits all” approach, which it considers a past mistake. Oyeleye expressed optimism that state police could become a reality by the first quarter of 2027, underscoring the urgency of their current deliberations.

The outcomes of the DAWN Commission’s meeting are slated to be transmitted to the South-West governors, serving as a foundational guide for policy direction.

Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead

Concerns regarding the potential abuse of state police powers by governors were addressed by Oyeleye, who described such fears as outdated, citing the successful operation of the regional security outfit, Amotekun. He argued that in the current social media era, any abuse would be quickly exposed and widely known.

Professor Olawale Albert, a specialist in African History, Peace and Conflict Studies, emphasised that the focus should now shift from debating the necessity of state policing to its effective implementation. He posited that the President has, in effect, decreed state policing into existence, making the current discourse about “how” rather than “if.” He cautioned against replicating the shortcomings of the federal policing system and advocated for a research-driven, analytical approach.

Adewale Adeoye, Executive Director of Journalists for Democratic Rights, stressed the importance of a people-centred approach to state policing, ensuring it reflects local realities and commands public trust. He argued that security should be “owned by the people” and that their involvement in conception, process, and implementation is crucial. He also highlighted the need for state policing structures to be tailored to the specific nature of crime in different regions, ensuring transparency and adherence to global standards.

International Support for Decentralisation

The push for state police in Nigeria is gaining international attention. Just days prior, a United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, called for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system, asserting that state governments need empowerment to address worsening insecurity, particularly in the Middle Belt region. Moore’s comments on X urged Nigerian authorities to take decisive action and emphasised the overdue need to devolve policing powers to sub-national governments. This international perspective adds further weight to the ongoing calls for structural reforms within Nigeria’s security apparatus.

The renewed advocacy for decentralisation aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategies to combat multifaceted security threats, including banditry, insurgency, and communal violence. The submission of the state police framework marks a significant milestone in this transformative journey towards a more effective and responsive security system for Nigeria.