(Olatunji Disu. Photo Credit: Guardian Nigeria News)
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has dismissed claims that the Nigeria Police Force is responsible for the delay in establishing state police, saying the matter is a constitutional issue beyond the force’s control.
Disu, represented at a stakeholders’ security meeting in Awka by Deputy Inspector-General Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, explained that creating state police requires an amendment to the law establishing the Nigeria Police Force by the National Assembly, followed by the consent of at least two-thirds of state assemblies across the country.
While acknowledging that state police would strengthen crime prevention efforts at the grassroots level, he urged stakeholders to remain patient, saying the National Assembly was actively working towards making it a reality.
The IG also called for greater collaboration between security agencies and communities, urging members of the public to volunteer timely and credible information on suspected criminal activities in their areas.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, also speaking at the event, described security as a collective responsibility requiring sustained trust and dialogue across all sectors, adding that existing collaboration had already contributed to a reduction in crime within the state.
Stakeholders at the meeting commended the Anambra State Government and the State Assembly for enacting legislation to establish local vigilance groups Udogachi and Agunechemba to support policing efforts.
They called on the Federal Government to accelerate the establishment of state police and urged improved funding, training and welfare for both the police and vigilance groups nationwide.