Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu on Wednesday took the oath of office and allegiance before members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), a meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, throwing his weight behind the creation of state police.
The swearing-in of the new IGP who is expected to be confirmed by the Senate took place shortly before the commencement of FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In an interview with State House Correspondents, IGP Disu said the creation of State Poloce could bolster grassroots security if carefully structured.
Disu also revealed that the Nigeria Police Force is increasing its level of surveillance amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, and where war has broken out between Isreal, United States, Iran, and a few nations.
The Force, he said, is on high alert for potential spillover effects, given ideological links between some religious groups and factions in the region.
“We know that if anything happens in that part of the world, the repercussions could come here,” IGP Disu told reporters.
“Our ears are on the ground. Officers have been deployed on patrols across strategic locations, while police engage community and religious leaders to prevent unrest or vigilante actions,” he added.
The IGP urged Nigerians to shun unverified social media posts that could sow panic, calling instead for verified tips to aid security efforts.
He pledged to prioritise officer welfare, intelligence gathering and professionalism to rebuild public trust, while endorsing state-level policing to address local threats more effectively.
