IGP Disu backs state policing, hails NDC research on Police Reforms

By Johnson Arua

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to institutional reforms and the advancement of state policing, describing a research study by participants of the National Defence College (NDC) as a valuable contribution to Nigeria's evolving security architecture.

The IGP made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the Commandant, management, directing staff, participants and support staff of the National Defence College on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Ani Iniedu, said discussions during the visit focused on police reform, state policing, command and coordination protocols, as well as other emerging internal security challenges confronting the country.

The NDC delegation was led by the Commandant, Rear Admiral A. Ahmed, and included the Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies, Major General K. E. Chigbu; College Secretary, Air Vice Marshal E. Owai; Provost of the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, Prof. A. O. Ahmad; alongside other senior military officers and police participants.

Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Ahmed said the paper presented to the Inspector-General was the outcome of extensive research conducted entirely by police officers undergoing studies at the College.

He explained that while faculty members provided academic guidance and methodological support, the participants independently developed practical and implementable strategic options based on their professional experience and critical analysis.

According to him, the study's findings and recommendations would enrich the ongoing national discourse on police reforms and enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to tackle current and emerging internal security threats up to 2035.

Responding, IGP Disu described the study as timely, comprehensive and highly relevant to Nigeria's security realities. He commended the participants for producing a scholarly work with practical policy value.

The police chief noted that the research would serve as a solid foundation for shaping the framework for state policing, particularly because of its sound methodology, detailed assessment of public concerns and practical recommendations drawn from comparative experiences of countries operating state police systems.

He also reiterated the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Defence College and other strategic institutions in promoting effective policing, enhanced internal security and national development.