By Peace Erewunmi

The Nigerian Senate has passed constitutional amendment bills seeking to establish state police across the country, marking a significant step in efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and address growing insecurity. The legislation seeks to create a legal framework that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the existing federal police structure.

The proposed reform is designed to strengthen security at the grassroots level by improving intelligence gathering, enhancing community policing, and enabling faster responses to local security threats. Supporters argue that state-controlled police forces would be better positioned to understand local terrain, language, and security dynamics.

The passage of the bill follows the transmission of a constitutional amendment proposal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly. The President has consistently advocated for decentralised policing as a means of tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges affecting different parts of the country.

Under the proposed arrangement, state police forces would operate within clearly defined constitutional jurisdictions, while the federal police would retain responsibility for national security matters such as counterterrorism, border protection, and organised crime.

Despite widespread support, concerns have been raised about the possibility of abuse by state governments. Critics warn that state police could be used for political purposes or against opponents if adequate safeguards are not put in place. Supporters, however, maintain that constitutional oversight mechanisms can address such concerns.

The bill must still secure approval from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can become part of the Constitution. If ratified, it would represent one of the most far-reaching security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Political observers say the development reflects increasing consensus among lawmakers and stakeholders that Nigeria’s current centralized policing system requires structural reforms to effectively respond to evolving security threats across the federation.