Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu believes state police will strengthen community-based policing and help gather better intelligence across Nigeria. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on Friday, Disu explained that the model would deepen engagement between officers and the communities they protect.
The IGP acknowledged that Nigeria remains in early stages of implementing state police and needs to learn from other countries already running the system. "We need experience, education and comparative studies from jurisdictions already practising state police," he said, noting that extensive consultations and capacity building must come first.
Disu expressed confidence that state police would improve how federal and state security agencies work together. He added that having officers rooted in their communities would help restore an era when locals knew the police protecting their neighbourhoods.
Closer ties between police and communities will boost intelligence gathering, strengthen public trust, and speed up responses to security threats, according to Disu. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to innovation, professionalism and strategic partnerships that sustain national peace and development, he reaffirmed.
The proposed State Police Bill would shift policing from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list in Nigeria's Constitution. This change would allow state governments to establish, fund, and run their own police forces alongside the federally-controlled Nigeria Police Force.
Disu spoke while attending the UN Chiefs of Police Summit at UN headquarters in New York. He stressed that Nigeria's contributions to global peacekeeping demonstrate the nation's commitment to worldwide stability.
Nigeria's peacekeeping record stands as a source of global pride, Disu told reporters, noting that the country has never abandoned UN peacekeeping missions. Nigeria ranks among the United Nations' most reliable contributors to peacekeeping operations.
The IGP praised Nigerian security personnel serving on UN missions worldwide, highlighting their professional conduct and dedication. Nigeria began participating in UN peacekeeping operations in Congo during 1960 and has remained a steady contributor ever since.
"There is virtually no UN mission where you will not find Nigerian personnel serving with distinction," he said. Disu noted that Nigeria has made significant sacrifices in global peacekeeping, including the loss of many police officers deployed overseas.
"The United Nations will never joke with Nigeria's contributions because of our commitment and sacrifices," he added.
