The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has revealed that the committee responsible for developing the framework for Nigeria's proposed state police system conducted a comparative study of India, the United States of America, and Pakistan before finalizing its recommendations. This disclosure was made during a one-day workshop on State Police organized by the Nigeria Police Institute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja, held on Thursday.
IGP Urges Police to Engage in National Discourse
IGP Disu called on police personnel to actively participate in shaping the national conversation on state police through informed engagement, objective analysis, and public enlightenment. He stressed that as discussions on the reform gain momentum across the country, members of the Nigeria Police Force must remain well-informed and contribute constructively to the ongoing discourse.
"The workshop provides an opportunity for participants to examine the implications of State Police, raise pertinent questions, address legitimate concerns and make meaningful contributions that would enrich national policy discussions on policing and internal security," Disu stated.
Comparative Analysis of International Models
The IGP detailed the committee's research efforts, saying, "A lot of comparative analysis has been done. We have taken time to study nations where they have state police – India, America and even Pakistan – and how things work there." This international perspective was crucial in drafting Nigeria's own framework, ensuring that lessons learned from other federal systems were incorporated.
Committee Completed Framework in 17 Days
Disu revealed that the committee completed its work in a remarkably short period, noting, "I think it took us 17 days only to come up with a framework that has become the genesis of what everybody is working on today." He also mentioned that the governors' committees had already concluded their work, and the police committee's framework is now the basis for ongoing deliberations.
"The governors have already set up their committees. They have already almost concluded. In fact, they have concluded. We started late. We caught up with them, and I'm happy to say our work is what they are deliberating on today," he added.
Input from Former Inspectors-General
The IGP also acknowledged the contributions of retired Inspectors-General of Police, who reviewed the document and offered recommendations to improve it. "Retired Inspectors-General of Police have visited me, and they have shown their concern. And we have deliberated. They have put in their contributions into this as well," Disu said.
The workshop was described by the IGP as a timely platform for critical reflection on one of Nigeria's most significant security policy debates. He emphasized the need for police personnel to be well-prepared as discussions on the proposed reform continue across the country, ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains a key stakeholder in shaping the future of internal security.
