The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Hashimu Salihu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, has called for a careful and honest examination of the underlying challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force as the country continues discussions around the creation of state police.
Argungu made this appeal while receiving members of the Committee on the Implementation of State Police during a working visit to the Commission’s headquarters. The delegation, led by its chairman, Olu Ogunsakin, came to draw on the experience and institutional knowledge of the PSC Board, recognising the Commission’s critical role in Nigeria’s policing system.
Speaking during the visit, Ogunsakin described the Committee’s assignment as a significant responsibility and acknowledged that its success would depend on collaboration with key institutions like the PSC. According to him, the Committee sought to benefit from the Commission’s vast experience in reviewing the country’s policing structure and identifying practical pathways for reform. He also described Argungu as a “fountain of knowledge” whose insights would be valuable to their work.
In his response, Argungu presented a detailed outline of steps that could guide the successful implementation of state policing in Nigeria. He urged the Committee to begin by identifying the core issues that gave rise to the growing calls for state police and to carefully address those root causes.
“Find out what went wrong that necessitated the quest for the creation of state police,” he advised.
Argungu further emphasised the need to examine the relationship between federal and state offences, clarify the distinction between public and private crimes, and review laws that may no longer be relevant in the modern era.
He also encouraged the Committee to study countries where state policing systems have worked effectively, assess the challenges those models have faced, and adapt useful lessons to Nigeria’s unique environment. According to him, the Committee should not hesitate to request additional time if necessary to ensure that its recommendations are comprehensive and well thought out.
Members of the PSC Board present at the meeting included Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court representing the judiciary; Taiwo Lakanu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General representing the police; and Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
The Committee is tasked with developing a workable framework for establishing and coordinating state police structures across the country, covering critical areas such as recruitment processes, training standards, and the allocation of resources.
The statement was issued by Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs at the PSC Headquarters in Abuja, on March 11, 2026.
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