Nigeria's Inspector-General Proposes State Police Framework Amid Security Concerns

Nigeria faces ongoing security challenges, including terrorism that has displaced farmers and deterred tourism in areas like Plateau state, according to a report by AllAfrica. The report highlighted repeated incidents of violence, with calls for changes in policing strategies.

Disu, the Inspector-General of Police, has expressed support for establishing state police. He presented a 75-page framework for restructuring Nigeria's security system, proposing a two-tier architecture. This system includes a Federal Police Service focused on national issues such as terrorism, interstate crime, and protection of federal assets, alongside 37 State Police Services responsible for localized crimes like armed robbery, homicide, and domestic violence.

The framework emphasizes community policing as a core element. It includes measures to prevent misuse by state governors, such as independent State Police Service Commissions handling recruitment, promotions, and discipline. Additional safeguards involve criminal penalties for unlawful directives, fast-track court processes for abuses, State Police Ombudsmen, mandatory body-worn cameras, and public performance dashboards.

A National Police Standards Board would enforce uniform standards, issuing annual compliance ratings and potential funding restrictions for non-compliant states.

The proposed timeline for implementation is 60 months. The framework also includes a Voluntary Transfer Programme allowing officers to move to state commands while retaining benefits. AllAfrica noted that some individuals express concerns that state governors might use police for political purposes.