The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has assured officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that the proposed creation of state police will not result in the abolition of the force or affect their careers.
Disu gave the assurance on Monday while addressing police personnel in Dutse, Jigawa State.
“I am aware that many officers and men have questions, concerns and, in some cases, genuine anxiety about what this development may mean for the future of the Nigeria Police Force and for your individual careers.
“As your Inspector-General of Police, it is important that I address these concerns directly and provide as much clarity as possible. Let me assure every officer here today that there is no cause for panic,” Disu said.
He stressed that the establishment of state police would not lead to the cancellation of ranks, loss of employment, forfeiture of pensions or removal of existing benefits enjoyed by officers.
Disu explained that under the proposed arrangement, the Nigeria Police Force would transition into what would be known as the Federal Police Service.
“Our zonal and state formations will continue to exist.
“Our specialised formations and units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, SWAT, Anti-Bomb Squad, VCRU, INTERPOL, Cybercrime Unit and other strategic operational assets, will remain critical components of the Federal Police Service,” he said.
The IGP added that the units would continue to tackle terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats, interstate criminality and other complex security challenges.
He further assured officers that the reform was designed to expand policing opportunities rather than reduce them, noting that no officer would be forced to leave the Federal Police Service.
Disu said officers interested in moving into state police structures would do so through the Voluntary Transfer Programme (VTP), which would provide a transparent process for career decisions.
He assured personnel that their welfare, professional standing, career progression and pension benefits would remain protected throughout the transition.