Nigeria has canvassed global support for the proposed state police, saying the initiative will improve public trust, boost accountability and enhance internal security nationwide.

Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, stated this while hosting UN Police Advisers in New York.

Mr Ibrahim said President Bola Tinubu remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s policing architecture through decentralisation and institutional reforms.

“The Nigerian police performance in international missions triggers President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reform of establishing the Nigeria State Police,” Mr Ibrahim said.

According to him, the proposed system will improve crime prevention, operational efficiency and manpower deployment across Nigeria.

“The new approach aims to address internal security challenges and make effective use of manpower,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim said the government would provide logistics, equipment and institutional support for the proposed policing structure.

“The president is dedicated to providing the necessary logistics and equipment for this new setup,” he stated.

He added that Nigeria was seeking support from the UN and international partners for the proposed reform.

Mr Ibrahim said the reform would address growing concerns over police accountability and public trust.

“President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the Nigerian state police, addressing the gap between communities’ expectations and police accountability,” he explained.

The envoy highlighted Nigeria’s peacekeeping contributions under the United Nations framework.

He said Nigerian police officers had consistently earned global recognition for professionalism and operational excellence in Liberia, Sudan and Mali. According to him, Nigeria deployed over 13,000 personnel, including Formed Police Units, for international peace operations.

He said police contributed significantly to disarmament, reintegration and electoral security processes in host countries.

Mr Ibrahim urged the UN to modernise global policing strategies against cybercrime and emerging technological threats.

“The United Nations plays a vital role in addressing challenges such as digital transformation, cybercrime, AI-related crimes and cross-border policing,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim said the Nigerian Senate was working towards establishing a legal framework for the state police. He disclosed that Mr Tinubu had directed the inspector general of police, Tunji Disu, to deepen engagement with international policing stakeholders at the UN.

The ambassador described the engagement as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international security cooperation and strategic partnerships.

The police adviser at the permanent mission of Nigeria to the UN and co-chair, UN Strategic Police Advisory Group, Dolapo Badmos, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and security.

Ms Badmos said Nigeria remained proud of its longstanding contributions to United Nations peacekeeping and international policing operations.

She described the meeting as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation and strategic policing partnerships. According to her, effective policing must remain professional, accountable and community-centred in addressing modern security realities.

(NAN)