A major review of Nigeria’s policing system has begun as the Inspector-General of Police inaugurated a committee tasked with developing a framework for state-level policing.
The committee was constituted to examine how a decentralised policing model could operate alongside the existing national structure without compromising internal security. According to the police leadership, the initiative is intended to enhance community engagement, improve responsiveness to local security concerns, and strengthen overall coordination within the country’s security framework.
Its mandate includes reviewing domestic and international policing systems, assessing community security requirements, and recommending a practical operational model.
The panel is also expected to propose guidelines covering recruitment standards, training procedures, funding arrangements, oversight mechanisms, and accountability measures to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The Inspector-General stressed that the reform process is not designed to weaken the Nigeria Police Force, but to improve efficiency and allow federal authorities to focus on complex and nationwide security threats. He said the proposed structure would promote collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities while maintaining constitutional responsibilities.
The seven-member committee, chaired by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, has been given four weeks to submit its findings and recommendations, which are expected to guide further decisions on the future of policing reforms in the country.
About the Author
