State Police: Problems Militating Against NPF Must Be Addressed Before Creating New Outfit — PSC Chairman Argungu
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), has called for the need to address foundational issues affecting the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) before considering the establishment of state police.
He emphasized that there should be a thorough examination of the problems being faced by the nation’s security outfit before the government commences the implementation of state police, so as not to create additional challenges.
DIG Argungu made this known when he received the Committee for the Implementation of State Police, led by its Chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, during a working visit to the Commission’s headquarters.
Earlier, Prof. Ogunsakin, who described the PSC Chairman as a “fountain of knowledge,” said the delegation sought to tap into the institutional memory and expertise of the PSC Board, given its pivotal role in the policing landscape.
He added that the task before the Committee was monumental.
“We cannot do it alone without tapping from the wisdom of the PSC. We are here to tap from your wealth of knowledge regarding the task before us to review the landscape, structure, and foundation to assist the Nigeria Police Force to move forward,” he said.
Responding in a well-articulated presentation, DIG Argungu outlined a step-by-step procedure for actualising effective state policing.
The PSC Chairman urged the Committee to diagnose the root causes that necessitated the demand for state police and make the necessary amendments.
“Find out what went wrong that necessitated the quest for the creation of state police,” Argungu advised.
He also stressed the importance of examining the nexus between federal and state offences, distinguishing between public and private wrongs, and considering the implications of obsolete laws in the 21st century.
DIG Argungu recommended that the Committee study countries with successful state police models, analyse their challenges, and adapt relevant lessons to the Nigerian context.
He encouraged the Committee not to hesitate to request additional time if required to deliver a thorough and effective job.
Members of the PSC Board present during the visit included Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, JSC (rtd), representing the Judiciary; DIG (Dr.) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), representing the Police; and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
The Committee’s mandate is to propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures, including recruitment, training standards, and resource allocation.
Last week, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, inaugurated the Committee on State Police Implementation, with Prof. Olu Ogunsakin as Chairman and seasoned police chief, Bode Ojajuni of INTERPOL, as Secretary.
Other members include retired CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, DCP Okebechi Agora, DCP Suleyman Gulma, ACP Ikechukwu Okafor, and CSP Tolutope Ipinmisho.
