The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has declared that state police has come to stay.
He said the police view the concept as a partnership opportunity.
Speaking after he said as sworn in on Wednesday in Abuja, Disu said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is ready to contribute its quota towards the establishment of state police in the country.
According to him, a committee was set up early this morning to look into the issue of state police from the angle of the Nigerian police.
“We don’t want it to seem as if others are taking decisions and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything.
“We want to ensure that the best thing is done. State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed.
The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken. It is an issue of partnership”, he said.
The IGP had earlier inaugurated a committee to oversee the implementation of state police.
The committee, which will be led by Olu Ogunsakin, a professor of police studies, is expected to propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly promised that his administration will create state police as part of measures to address the country’s insecurity.
The President recently asked the National Assembly to amend the 1999 constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police.
The national assembly has commenced the process of amending the 1999 constitution to accommodate the establishment of a decentralised police force.
IGP declares support for creation of state police, sets committee to oversee its implementation
