By Azeez Sulaiman
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, inaugurated an eight-member committee on Wednesday to oversee the implementation of state policing as part of ongoing national security reforms.
This development follows the recent ratification of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police, ahead of his formal swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu.
Professor Olu Ogunsakin has been appointed to chair the committee, which is tasked with developing a framework for operationalizing decentralized policing in alignment with the Federal Government’s reform agenda.
During his first formal meeting with senior police officers since his confirmation, IGP Disu emphasized that leadership within the force must be anchored on responsibility, discipline, and accountability.
“Leadership is not about position, but responsibility,” Disu stated, stressing that professionalism must define conduct across all commands nationwide.
He maintained that enforcement authority should be exercised with restraint and respect for fundamental rights, asserting that every citizen deserves dignity and fairness regardless of their status.
To support these goals, the IGP announced plans to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms.
He directed that the Public Complaint Unit and the X-Squad operate with greater independence to enhance oversight and transparency within the force.
Regarding the proposed decentralization of policing powers, Disu noted that the initiative would empower subnational governments to play a more active role in addressing localized security challenges.
The inauguration of this committee marks one of the first major policy steps under Disu’s leadership following his appointment on February 24, 2026. His emergence comes during a period of heightened national security concerns, including kidnapping and communal violence.
The state police initiative represents a central pillar of the current administration’s efforts to reform the security architecture and improve responsiveness at the grassroots level.