Nigeria has called on the international community to support its proposed state police system, arguing the reform would strengthen public trust, accountability, and internal security.
Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the appeal while hosting UN Police Advisers in New York. He said President Bola Tinubu remains committed to overhauling the nation’s policing architecture through decentralisation and institutional reforms.
“The Nigerian police performance in international missions underpins President Tinubu’s ongoing reform to establish state-level forces,” Ibrahim stated.
He explained that the proposed model would enhance crime prevention, operational efficiency, and manpower deployment across the country, adding that the government would provide logistics, equipment, and institutional backing for the new structure.
Ibrahim noted that Nigeria is actively seeking support from the UN and international partners, as the reform seeks to address mounting concerns over police accountability and the gap between community expectations and law enforcement conduct.
The envoy also highlighted Nigeria’s peacekeeping record, noting that Nigerian police officers have earned global recognition for professionalism in Liberia, Sudan, and Mali. He said Nigeria has deployed over 13,000 personnel, including Formed Police Units, for international peace operations, contributing to disarmament, reintegration, and electoral security in host nations.
Ibrahim urged the UN to modernise global policing strategies to counter cybercrime, AI-related offences, and cross-border threats. He confirmed that the Nigerian Senate is working on a legal framework for state police, and that President Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to deepen engagement with international policing stakeholders at the UN.
Dolapo Badmos, Police Adviser at Nigeria’s UN mission and co-chair of the UN Strategic Police Advisory Group, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to global peace and security. She described the meeting as a demonstration of Nigeria’s dedication to international cooperation and strategic policing partnerships, insisting that effective policing must remain professional, accountable, and community-centred.
Credit: NAN
