State Police Requires Constitutional Amendment, Says IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has dismissed claims that the Nigeria Police Force is responsible for the delay in establishing state police across the country, insisting that the process depends entirely on constitutional amendments.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ security meeting in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday, the IGP explained that the creation of state police is strictly a legislative matter requiring approval by the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Disu said lawmakers were already working through the constitutional procedures necessary for the establishment of state police.

“The power to create the state police is a constitutional issue that resides with the national and state assemblies,” he said.

“When the National Assembly makes provision to amend the law establishing the NPF and goes on to amend it, then two-thirds of the State Assemblies must consent to it.”

The IGP stressed that the police should not be blamed for delays in the process, noting that the Force supports initiatives capable of strengthening security and combating crime nationwide.

Disu also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies, stating that effective policing cannot succeed without community participation.

According to him, residents must provide timely and credible information on criminal activities within their communities to enable swift intervention by security operatives.

“There is a need for more collaboration with the police and other security agencies, as the security agencies alone cannot secure the country,” he said.

He further noted that improving grassroots security requires the collective involvement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, business groups and other stakeholders.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, described security as a major pillar for development and economic prosperity.

“Security is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration, trust and continuous dialogue with stakeholders from all sectors,” he said.

“This collective collaboration has helped in reducing crime in Anambra.”

Orutugu called for deeper cooperation among stakeholders to sustain ongoing efforts aimed at preventing and tackling criminal activities across the state.

Participants at the meeting commended the Anambra State Government and the State House of Assembly for establishing local security outfits such as Udogachi and Agunechemba to complement conventional security agencies.

The stakeholders also urged the Federal Government to fast-track the process of establishing state police, arguing that decentralised policing would strengthen security management at the grassroots level.

They further called for improved training, better equipment, and enhanced welfare packages for police officers and local vigilance groups to boost security operations nationwide.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale