The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has backed calls for the construction of 3,000 new police stations across Nigeria, warning that the country’s existing security infrastructure can no longer adequately serve its growing population.
Disu stated that the Nigeria Police Force currently operates only about 2,000 police stations nationwide, a figure he described as insufficient for a country with over 200 million citizens.
He made the remarks during Infrastructure Dialogue 2026, a programme organised for entrepreneurs by Deutsche Partners Holding in Abuja.
Existing Security Infrastructure No Longer Sufficient
Represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Works, Obiora Oranwusi, the IGP said Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit in the security sector had reached a level that requires urgent and large-scale intervention.
He stressed that expanding security facilities would require stronger collaboration involving public-private partnerships, development finance institutions and capital market investments.
According to him, security infrastructure remains critical to national development and economic stability.
“The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission has identified the need for 3,000 new police stations, 1,000 new prisons and 170 new barracks,” he said.
Police Say Infrastructure Deficit Affects Operations
Disu explained that the shortage of police facilities directly affects operational efficiency and limits the force’s ability to effectively secure communities.
“As of today, we have only about 2,000 police stations nationwide. These deficits directly affect operational effectiveness and must be addressed through sustainable financing models,” he stated.
He noted that addressing these gaps has become increasingly important due to the country’s expanding population and security demands.
Police Repositioning for National Development
The IGP further disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force is currently undergoing strategic reforms aimed at redefining its broader role in national development.
According to him, modern policing now extends beyond responding to crimes and includes creating a stable environment that supports businesses and economic activities.
“The Police is undergoing a strategic reorientation—one that positions us as a proactive enabler of national development,” he said.
He added that creating a secure and predictable environment remains essential for investment growth and enterprise development across the country.
