Police Not Responsible For Delay In Establishing State Police

Contrary to the news making rounds that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is responsible for the delay in establishing state police across the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that the process is entirely dependent on constitutional amendments.

Debunking the claims at a stakeholders’ security meeting in Awka, Anambra State, the IGP said the creation of state police remains a legislative matter that falls within the powers of the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Disu appealed to stakeholders to remain patient, noting that lawmakers were already working towards the establishment of state police through the required constitutional procedures.

“The power to create the state police is a constitutional issue that resides with the national and state assemblies.

“When the National Assembly makes provision to amend the law establishing the NPF and goes on to amend it, then two-thirds of the State Assemblies must consent to it,” he said.

While distancing the police from any delay in the process, Disu acknowledged that state police could strengthen efforts to combat crime and improve security nationwide.

The Inspector-General also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between security agencies and citizens, arguing that effective policing cannot be achieved without community participation.

He urged residents to provide timely and credible information about criminal activities in their communities to enable swift intervention by security agencies.

According to him, improving security at the grassroots requires a collective effort involving traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders, civil society organisations, business groups and other stakeholders.

“There is a need for more collaboration with the police and other security agencies, as the security agencies alone cannot secure the country,” he said.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, described security as a critical foundation for development and prosperity.

“Security is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration, trust and continuous dialogue with stakeholders from all sectors.

“This collective collaboration has helped in reducing crime in Anambra,” he said.

Orutugu called for deeper cooperation among all stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at preventing and tackling criminal activities across the state.

Several participants at the meeting commended the Anambra State Government and the State House of Assembly for establishing local security outfits, including Udogachi and Agunechemba, to complement the work of conventional security agencies.

The stakeholders also urged the Federal Government to accelerate the process of creating state police, arguing that decentralised policing would enhance security management at the grassroots level.

In addition, they called for improved training, better equipment and enhanced welfare packages for both police personnel and local vigilance groups to strengthen security operations across the country.