…Moves to reassure officers
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has clarified that the proposed creation of state police will not lead to the abolition of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), urging officers to remain calm amid growing national debate on the reform.
Disu gave the assurance on Monday while addressing personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Dutse, Jigawa State, noting that the legislative discussions surrounding state policing had generated concern and uncertainty within security circles.
He said the clarification was necessary to address fears among officers and men of the force, stressing that the reform is intended to strengthen, not dismantle, the country’s policing structure.
“I am aware that many officers and men have questions, concerns and in some cases, genuine anxiety about what this development may mean for the future of the Nigeria Police Force… let me assure every officer here today that there is no cause for panic,” he said.
The IGP explained that the creation of state police would not result in the cancellation of ranks, loss of employment, or forfeiture of pensions and benefits of serving officers, adding that their future remains protected.
According to him, the proposed restructuring aims to enhance Nigeria’s overall security architecture by introducing additional policing layers that are closer to communities, while preserving a strong federal policing institution capable of addressing national and transnational threats.
He stated that under the proposed framework, the Nigeria Police Force would evolve into what would be known as the Federal Police Service, with its core operational structures and capabilities remaining intact.
Disu listed key units such as the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, SWAT, Anti-Bomb Squad, INTERPOL liaison, Cybercrime Unit and other specialised formations as continuing pillars of the restructured federal policing system.
“These units will continue to provide the specialised capabilities required to address terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats and interstate criminality,” he said.
The police chief further assured that the reform was designed to expand opportunities rather than diminish careers within the force, adding that no officer would be compelled to leave the federal structure.
He explained that any transition into state policing structures would be voluntary and guided by a proposed Voluntary Transfer Programme (VTP), which would allow officers to make informed career decisions.
“The guiding principle behind the VTP is simple: choice, fairness and transparency,” he said.
Disu also pledged that welfare, pensions, career progression and professional rights of officers would be fully protected throughout the transition process.
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He urged personnel to remain focused and avoid being distracted by rumours or misinformation, emphasizing that professionalism and discipline would remain central to policing regardless of future reforms.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, Haruna Yahaya, commended the IGP for the engagement, describing it as a demonstration of strong leadership and commitment to personnel welfare.
He noted that Jigawa remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the stability to collaboration between security agencies, traditional institutions and residents.
The visit also featured a question-and-answer session between the IGP and officers, as part of broader consultations ahead of the proposed policing reforms.
Disu was in Jigawa for the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC), themed “Peace, Unity and Development of the North.”
