The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has moved to calm growing concerns among police personnel over plans to establish state police, assuring officers that the reform will not lead to the abolition of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Speaking during an engagement with police officers in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Monday, Disu said fears surrounding job losses, rank cancellations, and pension issues were unfounded.
The police chief explained that the proposed state police system is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework rather than dismantle the existing police structure.
According to him, the reform aims to create policing institutions that are closer to local communities while maintaining a strong federal police system capable of tackling national and transnational crimes.
“The creation of state police does not mean the abolition of the Nigeria Police Force. It does not mean the cancellation of your rank, the loss of your employment, the forfeiture of your pensions, or the erosion of your accrued rights and benefits. Your future remains protected,” Disu stated.
He revealed that under the proposed arrangement, the Nigeria Police Force would transition into a Federal Police Service, retaining its core responsibilities in areas such as counter-terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, and interstate security operations.
Disu emphasized that specialized units, including the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Anti-Bomb Squad, INTERPOL Desk, and Cybercrime Unit, would remain intact and continue to play critical roles in national security.
The IGP also assured officers that no one would be forced into a state police structure.
Instead, personnel interested in joining state police formations would do so through a Voluntary Transfer Programme (VTP) designed to guarantee fairness, transparency, and informed decision-making.
“The guiding principle behind the VTP is simple: choice, fairness and transparency. Officers who wish to remain within the Federal Police Service will have the opportunity to continue their careers within the federal structure,” he said.
Disu further pledged that officers’ welfare, career progression, pensions, and other benefits would be fully protected throughout any transition process.
He urged personnel not to be distracted by rumours and misinformation, encouraging them to remain professional and focused on their responsibilities.
According to the IGP, professionalism, discipline, integrity, and commitment to service will remain the key qualities required of police officers regardless of future reforms.
The visit also featured an interactive session where officers were given the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on issues surrounding the proposed policing reforms.
Disu was in Jigawa State to attend the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, themed “Peace, Unity and Development of the North.”
Source: NAN
