A security expert, Charles Omole, has called for a reform of how Nigeria appoints its Inspector-General of Police (IGP), arguing that the role should not be restricted strictly to serving police officers.

Speaking on Friday at the June 12, 2026 edition of The Platform hosted by The Covenant Nation, Omole said Nigeria should expand the selection pool for the country’s top police leadership position as part of broader internal security reforms.

According to the originating report by Channels Television, Omole argued that ranks above Commissioner in policing structures are largely political in nature, suggesting that the IGP position could be filled beyond the traditional police hierarchy.

He stated that global practices differ in how police chiefs are selected and urged Nigeria to adopt a more flexible approach as part of ongoing discussions around police reform and the possible introduction of state policing.

Omole also stressed that the police remain the most critical institution in internal security management, noting that every nation operates a police force regardless of whether it maintains a military.

He referenced countries such as Costa Rica, Iceland, Panama and Mauritius, which operate without armed forces, to underline his argument that policing should be prioritised in national security planning.

The remarks come amid renewed national debate on security restructuring, including proposals for state police and broader institutional reforms aimed at addressing insecurity across Nigeria.