Security
State Police Will Complement, Not Replace Nigeria Police — Lagos CP Olorundare Jimoh
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, has reassured officers and the public that the proposed state police system will support not replace the national police structure.
Speaking at a briefing on Thursday at the Officers’ Mess in Lagos, Jimoh said the reform was being examined as part of broader efforts to strengthen security governance in Nigeria.
He said the initiative was being championed by the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, as part of ongoing policing reforms.
Why it matters
Nigeria has long debated the creation of state police as insecurity and population growth put pressure on the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
Supporters argue that decentralised policing could improve response time and local intelligence gathering.
However, critics fear it could be abused by state governments for political purposes.
Jimoh said the reform is still under examination but could strengthen policing if implemented carefully.
“The concept of state police is being examined as part of a broader national effort to improve security governance, bring policing closer to the people and deepen community participation in crime prevention,” he said.
State police to complement federal policing
Jimoh stressed that the proposed system would not replace the federal police structure.
Rather, he said it would function within a coordinated national security framework.
“It is important to emphasise that state police should not be misunderstood as a replacement or dissolution of the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.
“Rather, it should be seen as a complementary structure within a coordinated national security framework.”
He added that the reform could allow the federal police to focus on complex crimes.
“Indeed, the introduction of state police is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of policing by allowing the federal police to concentrate more strategically on complex and transnational crimes such as terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and trafficking networks.”
Potential benefits of state police
According to Jimoh, a decentralised police system could improve security operations in several ways.
He said local policing would increase community trust and strengthen intelligence gathering.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state policing can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker responses to emerging threats,” he said.
He added that familiarity with local cultures and languages could improve cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
“State police will enhance familiarity with local culture, languages and social structures, and can significantly improve intelligence gathering and cooperation between citizens and the police.”
The CP also said the structure could create jobs for young Nigerians.
“The establishment of state police structures will create employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians while strengthening the country’s security capacity.”
Tactical squads reduced nationwide
Jimoh also announced that the Inspector General had ordered a reduction in tactical squads across the country.
He said the move was aimed at improving oversight and preventing human rights violations.
“The IGP has directed the reduction of tactical squads across the country,” he said.
Under the directive, state command headquarters will operate only five squads.
Area commands and divisions will be limited to three squads each.
“This is to ensure that human rights are not being violated and that the tactical squads remain under strict supervision of commanding officers,” he said.
CP denies opposing state police
Jimoh also addressed rumours circulating on social media that he opposed the state police initiative.
He described the claims as false.
“That is not correct. That is not true. That belongs to the imagination of those who initiated the news on social media,” he said.
“The directive of the Inspector General of Police is being complied with.”
‘Bail is free’ campaign coming
The commissioner also confirmed plans to launch a public awareness campaign on citizens’ rights.
He said many Nigerians still do not know that bail is free under Nigerian law.
“Bail is free in its entirety throughout Nigeria and Lagos is not an exception,” Jimoh said.
He added that the Lagos police command was working with the state Ministry of Youth Development to launch a sensitisation campaign.
“We will soon begin the campaign and invite the media when it starts.”
What’s next
The federal government and lawmakers are expected to continue discussions on the legal and constitutional framework for state policing.
If approved, the reform could significantly reshape Nigeria’s security architecture.
For now, police authorities say the focus remains on preparing officers and addressing concerns about the proposed changes.
The National Police Day 2026 celebrations ended with a colourful parade in Abuja, as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force’s commitment to professionalism, public trust, and national security.
The ceremony, held at Eagle Square, brought together officers from across the country and signalled renewed efforts to strengthen policing in Nigeria.
Tinubu Restates Reform Agenda
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the Nigeria Police Force for its resilience and dedication.
He said the Federal Government remains committed to improving police welfare, operational capacity, and reforms.
“The Federal Government will continue to strengthen police reforms, operational capacity, and personnel welfare in line with national security priorities.”
IGP Disu: ‘Time for Accountability and Trust’
In his address, IGP Disu described the event as a moment to honour fallen officers and reinforce the values of discipline and service.
“National Police Day is a moment to honour fallen heroes and reinforce the values of discipline, professionalism, and service.”
He stressed the need for a more accountable and intelligence-driven police system.
“We must build a more accountable, intelligence-driven, and community-focused Police Force.”
The police chief also assured Nigerians of ongoing efforts to improve public trust and policing standards nationwide.
Inter-Agency Collaboration on Display
The parade featured multiple security agencies, reflecting growing cooperation in tackling insecurity.
Participating agencies included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Security experts say such collaboration is key to addressing complex threats like terrorism, cybercrime, and cross-border crime.
Why It Matters
Nigeria continues to face security challenges ranging from banditry to urban crime.
Strengthening the police force remains central to restoring public confidence and improving safety across communities.
Events like National Police Day aim to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement while recognising the sacrifices of officers.
Community Outreach and Welfare Support
Authorities said the celebrations were not limited to ceremonial displays.
Activities included:
Nationwide walkathons
Community service initiatives
Medical outreach programmes
Public sensitisation campaigns
Welfare cheques for families of fallen officers
These efforts, the police say, are designed to improve community relations and support personnel welfare.
Industry & Public Reactions
Security analysts note that while reforms have been promised repeatedly, implementation remains key.
Civil society groups have called for:
Greater accountability
Improved training
Better funding transparency
Residents, meanwhile, say improved response time and professionalism will be the true test of reform promises.
What’s Next?
The Nigeria Police Force says it will continue repositioning itself to meet evolving security demands.
Observers will be watching closely to see whether these commitments translate into visible changes on the streets.
The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested 47 suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, and vehicles in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
Speaking at a press briefing, Commissioner of Police Tijani Olayiwola Fatai said the arrests were linked to offences including armed robbery, cultism, fraud, and vehicle theft.
“These arrests and recoveries are outcomes of deliberate, intelligence-led strategies and community partnership,” he said.
Key Recoveries and Arrests
Police say the operation led to the recovery of:
14 firearms, including pump-action guns
96 rounds of live ammunition
14 vehicles
29 mobile phones and laptops
Other items linked to criminal activity
Authorities say the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are completed.
Cultism, Robbery, and Fraud Cases Uncovered
Among the major cases highlighted:
A suspected armed robber, identified as Jamiu Yahaya, was arrested in Amukoko with a locally made pistol.
A 23-year-old alleged cultist linked to the Aiye confraternity was arrested in Ajegunle.
Police arrested 21 suspects at a hotel party in Ajao Estate linked to cult activity.
An 18-year-old suspect was caught attempting to collect a ₦20 million ransom in Ojokoro.
A suspected fraudster accused of defrauding a microfinance bank of ₦130 million was arrested, with luxury vehicles recovered.
“The Command will not tolerate any form of criminality,” Mr Fatai warned.
Why It Matters
Security remains a major concern for residents and businesses in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.
Experts say such crackdowns can help:
Reduce violent crime and armed robbery
Disrupt organised criminal networks
Improve investor confidence
Strengthen public trust in law enforcement
However, analysts also stress the need for sustained policing and judicial follow-through.
Easter Security Operations
Police also said security arrangements during the recent Easter celebrations were successful.
“The Command recorded no major security breach during the period,” the commissioner said.
He credited proactive deployment of officers and collaboration with other security agencies and residents. 
Industry and Public Reactions
Security analysts say intelligence-led policing is key to tackling crime in densely populated cities like Lagos.
Residents, however, continue to call for:
Faster emergency response times
Increased patrol visibility
Stronger community policing
What’s Next
The police say investigations are ongoing, with efforts to:
Arrest fleeing suspects
Recover more stolen property
Dismantle criminal networks
Authorities are also urging residents to provide timely information.
“Members of the public are enjoined to remain vigilant and support the Police with credible information,” Mr Fatai said.
The Nigeria Police Force says it is strengthening security operations in Ogun State after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, attended the commissioning of new security assets aimed at improving rapid response.
What happened
The police said the event marked the rollout of new patrol vehicles and electric motorbikes to boost policing capacity across the state.
Security officials say the equipment will help officers respond faster to incidents and expand patrol coverage in both urban and rural areas.
Why it matters
Nigeria continues to face evolving security challenges, including crime, road incidents and community safety concerns.
Authorities say improved mobility and logistics are key to effective policing, particularly in fast-growing states like Ogun.
The police believe the new assets could reduce response times and improve visibility, which may deter crime.
Police and government response
Speaking at the event, Inspector-General Disu praised the Ogun State Government’s approach to security.
“The newly commissioned assets will be deployed to improve rapid response and bolster patrol efficiency across the state.”
He also stressed the need for cooperation between federal and state institutions.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant and committed to protecting citizens, supporting national development, and ensuring a safe environment for all.”
The Force added that collaboration with local authorities is essential to addressing emerging threats.
Public role and community safety
The police urged residents to play an active role in maintaining security by reporting suspicious activities.
Officials say community cooperation remains critical in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
Industry and expert perspective
Security analysts say investment in patrol infrastructure is a positive step, but warn that long-term success depends on training, accountability and community trust.
They add that technology-driven solutions, such as electric patrol bikes, could improve efficiency if properly maintained.
What’s next
The Nigeria Police Force says the new vehicles will be deployed immediately across key locations in Ogun State.
Further collaboration with state governments is expected as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal security nationwide.
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