The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.), has called for a thorough examination of the foundational issues affecting the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as the nation considers the establishment of state police.

Argungu said this when he hosted the Committee for the Implementation of State Police, led by its Chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, during a working visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The delegation sought to tap into the institutional memory and expertise of the PSC Board, given its pivotal role in the policing landscape.

Ogunsakin noted that the task before the committee was monumental, stating: “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.”

The committee chairman described Argungu as a “fountain of knowledge”.

Responding, the PSC chairman outlined a step-by-step procedure for actualising effective state policing.

Argungu urged the committee to diagnose the root causes that necessitated the demand for state police and make necessary amendments.

He 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.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, said Argungus recommended that the committee study countries with successful state police models, analyse their challenges, and adapt lessons to the Nigerian context.

He urged them to request additional time, whenever required, to deliver a thorough and effective job.

The PSC board members present during the visit included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, JSC (retd.), representing the Judiciary; DIG (Dr.) Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), representing the Nigeria Police (NPF); 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. (The Nation)