The newly confirmed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated a special eight-member committee to drive the implementation of State Police and articulate a new policing vision for the country.
The committee was unveiled shortly after Disu assumed office as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police, marking what observers describe as a significant step toward decentralised policing in Nigeria.
His first official engagement with top officers of the Nigeria Police Force took place on Wednesday, following the approval of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council. The confirmation paved the way for his formal swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Addressing senior officers, Disu described leadership as a call to service rather than a symbol of rank. He emphasised that professionalism, accountability, and discipline must guide police operations across all commands nationwide.
The Inspector-General warned that human rights violations would no longer be tolerated within the Force, stressing that authority must be exercised with restraint and responsibility. He added that every Nigerian, regardless of social or political status, must be treated with dignity and fairness, noting that justice and respect for the rule of law would define policing under his leadership.
As part of broader reforms, Disu announced measures to strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms. He directed that the Public Complaint Unit and the X-Squad be granted greater operational independence to enhance transparency and enforce discipline within the Force.
On the issue of State Police, the IGP said decentralising policing responsibilities would enable state and local authorities to take more active roles in securing their communities. He noted that security challenges differ across regions and require locally tailored solutions backed by community participation.
Professor Olu Ogunsakin was named chairman of the newly inaugurated State Police Implementation Committee. The committee is expected to develop policy frameworks and operational guidelines to support the proposed structure.
