Tinubu Police Council meeting focuses on security reforms and state policing as all 36 governors join high-level talks at State House, Abuja

Tinubu Police Council meeting is underway at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu presiding over a high-level session on policing and national security.

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The meeting began at approximately 2:39 pm on Thursday, just hours after President Tinubu hosted the Council of State to present nominees for the role of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, a position currently held by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

This latest gathering marks a pivotal point in the administration’s ongoing review of Nigeria’s internal security strategy.

Only five weeks ago, Tinubu declared his commitment to exploring the establishment of state police forces during a meeting with Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, saying: “I have to create a state police.”

The Tinubu Police Council meeting is part of broader consultations first initiated in February 2024, as his administration seeks to reshape the nation’s policing framework amid rising security concerns and recent deployments of forest guards across volatile regions.

Thursday’s meeting opened with a solemn minute of silence in honour of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, who died on 31 August 2025. Arase served the nation with distinction and was a vocal advocate for modern police reforms.

Present at the Council meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam.

The governors of Nigeria’s 36 states, or their representatives, are also in attendance.

The Police Council, a constitutional advisory body established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, plays a key role in shaping national policing policy.

It is empowered to advise the President on the organisation, administration, and oversight of the Nigeria Police Force, including the appointment or dismissal of the Inspector-General of Police.

The Tinubu Police Council meeting is expected to focus on evaluating current security threats, assessing the progress of ongoing police reforms, and reviewing officer welfare and leadership issues.

There is also strong anticipation that discussions will cover operational coordination between federal and state security bodies.