Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has submitted a 75-page State Police framework to the Senate, advancing Nigeria’s constitutional review on decentralised policing.
The document was presented to Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, who is overseeing the amendment process.
According to the IGP, the framework reflects the Force’s “considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations,” developed through consultations and a detailed assessment of the legal, operational, and administrative implications of establishing State Police.
He said it is intended to “meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations” and support “informed, balanced and pragmatic decisions” on Nigeria’s security structure.
The development comes as U.S. Congressman Riley Moore publicly stated that it is “past time to decentralize police authority so state governments can protect their citizens,” adding an international dimension to Nigeria’s internal security debate.
The proposal addresses longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s policing system, including slow response to local threats and limited community-level intelligence.
At the same time, it brings into focus key concerns around political control, accountability, funding disparities among states, and coordination between federal and state forces.
The Senate will now review the framework alongside other submissions as discussions on restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture continue.
