Police Ready For State Policing — Disu

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, on Wednesday declared that the Nigeria Police Force is ready to work with other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of state policing, saying the proposed system has “come to stay.”

Disu spoke to State House Correspondents shortly after he was sworn in as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

The swearing-in ceremony preceded the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and was attended by top government officials, ministers, and family members of the appointees.

Speaking on the ongoing national conversation around the establishment of state police, the new police chief said the Nigeria Police Force would actively contribute to shaping the framework to ensure it works effectively.

According to him, the Force has already set up a committee to review the concept of state policing from the perspective of the Nigeria 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,” Disu said.

“We want to ensure that the best thing is done. State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken; it is just an issue of partnership.”

Disu also assured Nigerians that the police would continue to maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties, particularly in the handling of protests and other public gatherings.

He said the Force was closely monitoring developments globally and their potential implications for Nigeria, stressing that intelligence policing would remain central to maintaining law and order.

“Everywhere in the world, we are aware that what we call intelligence policing is very important. Our ears are to the ground,” he said.

“We know we have groups of people and different kinds of sects in Nigeria. We also know that developments in other parts of the world can have repercussions here. So we are putting all necessary measures in place.”

He added that police officers across the country had been directed to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

The IGP also pledged to prioritise the welfare of officers and men of the Force, noting that improved motivation would enhance efficiency and service delivery.

“It is somebody that is well motivated that will put in their best. Our jobs are very difficult,” he said.

Recalling the challenges faced by officers in the line of duty, Disu noted that policing often requires personnel to make enormous sacrifices, including spending long periods away from their families.

“Some years ago when I was Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, we lost about 140 policemen in just one year,” he said.

“The job is very demanding. Many officers sleep outside their homes and do not have time to be with their families. So welfare is very, very vital.”

He expressed optimism that the current administration would support efforts to improve the working conditions of police personnel.

“I am lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want,” the IGP said.

President Tinubu had earlier sworn in Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police during a brief ceremony at the State House.

The President also administered the oath of office on six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Esther Walson-Jack, and several ministers.

The Federal Executive Council meeting commenced shortly after the swearing-in ceremony.