Nigeria Police Reform: 222,000 Officers May Move to State Commands

Nigeria Police Reform: 222,000 Officers May Move to State Commands

Nigeria is on the verge of a historic overhaul of its policing structure following a recommendation by a committee set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, proposing that 60% of Nigeria Police personnel be transferred to State Police Services (SPS).

The proposal, submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution chaired by Barau Jibrin, forms part of a broader plan to decentralise law enforcement and improve grassroots security across the country.

Nigeria currently has an estimated 370,000 police officers serving over 200 million people, translating to a ratio of one officer to about 600 citizens—significantly below the standard recommended by the United Nations. If implemented, the reform would see roughly 222,000 officers redeployed to state police formations, while 40% remain under a restructured federal system.

The 75-page document, presented by committee chairman Olu Ogunsakin, outlines a two-tier policing system consisting of a Federal Police Service (FPS) and 37 State Police Services across the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Under the proposed framework, the Federal Police Service would focus on national security, terrorism, and interstate crimes, while the State Police Services would handle local crimes such as armed robbery, homicide, domestic violence, and community policing.

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A key component of the transition is the introduction of a Voluntary Transfer Programme (VTP), which allows officers to move to their home states or preferred commands without losing benefits. Incentives include a three-month salary grant, specialised training, and pension continuity guarantees.

The report places strong emphasis on community policing, recommending the establishment of Community Policing Forums in all Local Government Areas, involving traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, and religious leaders. Officers assigned to communities would be expected to understand local languages and be evaluated based on community feedback.

To prevent abuse—particularly concerns that governors could misuse state police for political purposes—the committee proposed multiple safeguards. These include independent State Police Service Commissions, State Police Ombudsmen, judicial oversight, and criminal sanctions for unlawful orders. It also recommends the use of body-worn cameras and public dashboards to track police conduct and accountability.

At the national level, a National Police Standards Board (NPSB) would be created to regulate recruitment, training, operations, and discipline across both federal and state police systems, ensuring uniform standards nationwide.

Funding for the proposed structure would come from a State Police Fund, backed by a 3% statutory allocation from the Federation Account and a minimum 15% contribution from state governments’ security budgets.

The framework also outlines a five-year (60-month) phased implementation plan, beginning with constitutional amendments, followed by the establishment of state police institutions, gradual transfer of personnel, and eventual full operational consolidation.

Despite the detailed framework, the proposal has generated mixed reactions among security experts. Supporters argue that state police in Nigeria will enhance intelligence gathering and local responsiveness, while critics warn of political interference, funding inequalities, and coordination challenges between federal and state forces.

If adopted, the reform would mark a significant shift from Nigeria’s centralised policing system to a decentralised model aimed at addressing the country’s persistent security challenges.

Nigeria Police Reform: 222,000 Officers May Move to State Commands