State Police Bill Advances to Tackle Insecurity

Author: Jonadab

Publisher: DocuNews Central

Date: 2026-06-25

Nigeria’s long-debated proposal to establish state police has recorded a major breakthrough after lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment bill designed to decentralise policing across the federation. The development comes as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and other violent crimes that have stretched existing security resources.

The proposal seeks to create a dual policing system in which states can establish and operate their own police services while the federal police retain authority over national security matters such as counterterrorism, border protection, and organised crime investigations. Supporters of the bill say the reform could improve intelligence gathering and enable faster responses to security threats.

On 24 June 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria’s Senate approved the constitutional amendment bill after the House of Representatives had earlier passed the proposal during its constitutional review process. The latest legislative action represents one of the biggest security reforms considered by the National Assembly in recent years.

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What Happened?

The Senate’s approval moved the state police proposal closer to becoming law. The constitutional amendment seeks to permit all 36 states of the federation to establish their own police services. However, the process is not yet complete because the amendment still requires approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly.

The House of Representatives had earlier voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal. Lawmakers argued that Nigeria’s growing insecurity demands a new approach that gives states greater authority to manage local security challenges.

The bill forms part of a broader constitutional amendment programme currently under consideration by the National Assembly. Nevertheless, the state police proposal received special attention because of increasing public concern about persistent attacks in different parts of the country.

Where Did It Happen?

The legislative activities took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The proposal has national implications because every state would be eligible to establish its own police service if the amendment eventually becomes law.

The debate gained momentum against the backdrop of worsening security challenges in several regions of Nigeria. The North-East continues to battle insurgency. Meanwhile, the North-West and North-Central zones have experienced recurring incidents of banditry and mass kidnappings.

Furthermore, the South-East has recorded incidents linked to separatist violence, while communities in the Niger Delta continue to face security concerns connected to oil theft and criminal activities. Consequently, lawmakers argued that localised policing structures could improve operational effectiveness.

Who Is Involved?

The proposal involves multiple institutions and political stakeholders. Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives played central roles in advancing the constitutional amendment bill. The proposal also requires participation from the 36 state legislatures because their approval is necessary before the amendment can take effect.

President Bola Tinubu has publicly supported reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. The President has previously emphasised the need for increased police recruitment and improved security coordination across the country.

State governors have also expressed interest in the proposal. Many governors have repeatedly argued that they carry political responsibility for security within their states but lack operational authority over police deployments and emergency responses.

Why Lawmakers Say State Police Is Necessary

Supporters of state policing believe that local security forces will possess a better understanding of their communities. They argue that officers recruited from local environments may understand languages, cultural practices, terrain, and social dynamics more effectively.

Advocates also contend that Nigeria’s current centralised policing system faces operational limitations. Police decisions often move through multiple administrative levels before officers can respond to emergencies. Therefore, supporters of the reform believe decentralisation could reduce response times.

Another argument focuses on manpower shortages. Nigeria’s population has continued to grow while security threats have become increasingly complex. Consequently, supporters maintain that additional state police services could increase the number of security personnel available across the federation.

Concerns Raised by Critics

Despite strong legislative support, some stakeholders have expressed reservations about the proposal. One concern relates to funding. Security experts note that establishing police institutions requires substantial investment in recruitment, training, equipment, salaries, and operational logistics.

Questions have also emerged regarding the ability of less wealthy states to maintain professional and sustainable police organisations. Some analysts fear that unequal resources could produce varying policing standards among states.

Another issue involves the possibility of political interference. Critics warn that state governments could potentially misuse police institutions against political opponents or minority groups. Because of these concerns, lawmakers are expected to continue discussions on accountability mechanisms and oversight provisions.

Comments from Authorities

Several lawmakers described the proposal as a landmark step toward restructuring Nigeria’s security framework. During legislative debates, supporters argued that the current security environment requires bold reforms capable of improving protection for lives and property.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and other members of the constitutional review process commended the overwhelming support received during voting sessions. According to participating lawmakers, the proposal reflects growing national consensus on the need for security reforms.

Security analysts have also observed that governors frequently face public pressure during security emergencies even though operational control of the police remains under federal authority. Consequently, many experts believe that clearer local authority structures may improve accountability.

What Happens Next?

The constitutional amendment process remains incomplete. The proposal must secure approval from at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can become part of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

If the required number of states endorse the proposal, additional legal and administrative arrangements will likely follow. These may include regulations on recruitment standards, command structures, funding mechanisms, operational coordination, and oversight procedures.

Furthermore, federal and state authorities would need to develop frameworks that define responsibilities between state police organisations and the existing Nigeria Police Force. Such arrangements could prove essential in avoiding conflicts of jurisdiction.

According to DocuNews Central

According to DocuNews Central, the advancement of the State Police Bill marks one of the most significant constitutional security reforms undertaken by Nigeria in recent years. The proposal emerged amid growing concerns over persistent attacks, mass kidnappings, and violent crimes that have affected communities across several parts of the federation.

The legislative progress demonstrates increasing recognition among policymakers that Nigeria’s security challenges require innovative responses and stronger cooperation between federal and subnational institutions. Nevertheless, important debates regarding funding, accountability, and operational standards remain unresolved.

For now, attention has shifted to the state Houses of Assembly, whose decisions will determine whether the proposed state police framework advances from constitutional proposal to national policy. Until that process concludes, the bill remains one of the country’s most closely watched legislative initiatives in the effort to strengthen internal security and improve protection for Nigerian communities.

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