Nigeria Senate passes State Police Bill in major constitutional reform
By OUR REPORTER
If enacted, the legislation will represent one of the most far-reaching changes to Nigeria’s security architecture in recent decades.
The Nigerian Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to address growing security challenges and strengthen federalism.
The bill was approved on Wednesday June 24, 2026 after lawmakers considered and adopted all 26 clauses during the Committee of the Whole. The proposed legislation provides a constitutional framework for the creation and operation of state-controlled police services while retaining the existing federal police structure.
Presenting the bill, Senate Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe introduced it as an executive proposal from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as one of the most consequential constitutional reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
According to lawmakers, the amendment is aimed at addressing the limitations of the current centralized policing system, which has faced increasing pressure from security threats including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, farmer-herder conflicts, cybercrime, and organized criminal activities.
Under the proposed framework, states wishing to establish their own police forces will be required to enact enabling legislation through their respective Houses of Assembly and comply with operational standards to be set by the National Assembly.
The bill outlines distinct responsibilities for federal and state police agencies. While the Nigeria Police Force will retain authority over national security matters such as counter-terrorism operations, cybercrime investigations, border security, arms trafficking, and policing of the Federal Capital Territory, state police services will be responsible for enforcing state laws, maintaining public order, preventing crime, and protecting lives and property within their jurisdictions.
To guard against potential abuse, the legislation prohibits governors from directing state police forces to target individuals, political parties, or groups. It also expressly forbids the use of state police for partisan, ethnic, religious, or personal purposes.
During deliberations, several senators expressed support for the initiative while emphasizing the need for strong safeguards.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South stated that although he had previously opposed the concept of state policing, worsening insecurity across the country had changed his position. He called for additional legal protections to prevent political interference and ensure operational independence.
Similarly, Senator Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto South described state policing as a necessary reform that would strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure and improve local security responses. He cited recurring bandit attacks in parts of the country as evidence of the need for alternative security arrangements while stressing the importance of measures to prevent misuse by future state administrations.
For the constitutional amendment to take effect, it must secure approval from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
If enacted, the legislation will represent one of the most far-reaching changes to Nigeria’s security architecture in recent decades.
