Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force that the proposed establishment of state police will not affect their jobs, ranks or professional standing.
Disu gave the assurance while addressing police personnel amid ongoing discussions over the proposed restructuring of policing in Nigeria.
According to the IGP, officers have no reason to fear losing their positions as state police is introduced, noting that the new structure is designed to complement the existing force rather than replace it.
“Put your mind at rest. It is not affecting our work at all,” Disu said.
He further assured officers, “We are not going to lose your work. We are not going to lose your rank. We are not going to lose your prestige.”
The IGP also stressed the continued importance of the Nigeria Police Force under the proposed arrangement.
“The Nigerian Police Force remains number one policing institution in this country,” he said.
Disu explained that the proposed state police structure would operate alongside the federal police, with the NPF retaining responsibility for national, inter-state and specialised security operations.
The police leadership has previously stated that the reform would not abolish the Nigeria Police Force or strip officers of their pensions, benefits and career opportunities.
The development has generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting state police while others expressed doubts about how the new system would work.
Reacting, @Alfa_Rounder: “This state policing I hope it’s help our security in local levels,cos we Africa we Sabi turn beta things to bad thing ooo… proper checkmate if not”
@Yinks24_7: “All this na lie….. Except una no be police officers 😆”
@TOPT_TTT: “Though is job creation .😂 but the same people only the name changed”
@kingkhone4real: “The Nigerian police is the rope holding this country together.”
@Mark_Lander9993: “People will run to VDM first before going to the police”
@bbest_official: “All we want is state police to stay Each governor should preside on his own police”
@obemaropharrell: “State police will deny the federal police chances of extortions, illegal roadblocks/checkpoints & collecting money from motorists”
@Lyra0x_: “Trust is earned, not just declared.”
@Bigreezzz: “It must not”
@AnthonyOnyeGuy: “Lol 😂😂😂😂”
@lookatjasper: “Police ain’t safe for the masses anymore”
