The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has said the Nigeria Police Force is prepared to work toward the realization of state policing in the country.
Disu also assured officers and personnel of the force that the introduction of state police would not threaten their positions, explaining that the proposed structure would operate through collaboration rather than replacing the existing national police system.
The police chief made the remarks while addressing State House correspondents shortly after he was sworn in on Wednesday by Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force would contribute its expertise to ensure that the proposed state policing framework functions effectively if implemented.
He noted that policing systems in several parts of the world rely on intelligence-driven operations and partnerships among different security structures.
Disu also addressed concerns over protests reported in parts of the country linked to developments in the Middle East.
He said the police were monitoring the situation closely through intelligence gathering and patrol operations to prevent any escalation.
The Inspector-General stated that security agencies are aware that global events can sometimes have local implications, particularly where groups within the country maintain affiliations or sympathies with foreign movements.
He explained that the police had intensified surveillance and engagement efforts to ensure that individuals or groups do not take the law into their own hands.
He further emphasized that officers under his leadership would remain focused on protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.
According to him, police personnel have been reminded that their primary responsibility is to serve the people of Nigeria.
On the issue of internal reforms, Disu disclosed that he had earlier constituted a committee to review issues surrounding the proposed state police structure.
He said the initiative was intended to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force contributes meaningfully to discussions on the policy.
The police chief also highlighted the demanding nature of policing duties, noting that officers often operate under difficult conditions.
He recalled that during his time as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, the command recorded the loss of about 140 officers within a year, underscoring the risks associated with the profession.
Disu stressed the importance of improved welfare for police personnel, adding that adequate motivation is necessary for officers to perform their duties effectively.
He expressed confidence that the current administration would support efforts aimed at strengthening the capacity and welfare of the Nigeria Police Force
Disu said, “We want to ensure that the best thing is done. State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership.
“Everywhere in the world, we are aware that is, what we call intelligence policing. Our ears are to the ground. We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria. We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well.
“So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussion will come to us. So we are putting all necessary actions. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take laws and orders into their hands.
“I made up my mind to ensure that my officers get to know that we are working for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the citizens of the country are our bosses.
“It is somebody that is well motivated that will put in their best. Our jobs are very difficult. Some few years ago, when I was Commissioner of Police FCT, I was bold enough to announce that we lost 140 policemen just in a year. So the jobs are difficult. Men sleep out. A lot of people don’t have time to go back to their families.
“So the welfare is very vital, and I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want.”
