State police: Nigerians divided as National Assembly passes historic bill
Nigerian Senate Advances State Policing Bill
The Nigerian Senate took a significant step toward establishing state policing by passing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, on Wednesday. The bill, which has widespread public support, reflects a consensus among many Nigerians that the formation of state police is overdue. However, concerns about potential misuse by state governors remain prevalent.
Introduced by President Bola Tinubu, the bill is part of an effort to expedite legislative measures originating from the executive branch since the administration began. Alongside the establishment of state police, the bill proposes reforms to the Federal Police Service, which is set to replace the Nigeria Police Force.
The legislation grants states the constitutional authority to establish and oversee their own police services but preserves substantial emergency intervention powers for the federal government. According to Section 214 of the proposed law, the Federal Police Service will retain the ability to intervene in a state’s security affairs under specific conditions, such as a breakdown of public order or indications of severe human rights violations. Federal authorities may assume operational control of state police units with presidential approval and oversight from the Senate.
During Senate discussions, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele termed the bill one of the most significant constitutional reforms in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. He noted that the bill aims to address ongoing challenges resulting from a centralized policing system, acknowledging the country’s varied security needs and diverse geographic contexts.
President Tinubu previously signaled a commitment to establishing a state police force during a meeting with Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on September 2, 2025. He highlighted the necessity for local policing structures to effectively manage Nigeria’s security issues, which require familiarity with regional terrains and sociocultural dynamics.
Following the passage of the bill, reactions from the public have been mixed. Barr. Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Sport and Youth Development and a member of the African Democratic Congress, expressed skepticism regarding the impact of state police. He cautioned that the legislation could exacerbate the nation’s security landscape and criticized the timing as politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dalung emphasized the urgent need for a more effective security architecture, arguing that merely establishing state police without addressing the broader issues facing the current system will not yield meaningful change. He also called for constitutional amendments to empower citizens for self-defense.
In contrast, political analyst Jide Ojo welcomed the establishment of state policing, asserting that it is a necessary step in a federal system. He pointed out that many countries with similar governance structures, such as Canada and Australia, have successful multi-tiered police systems. Ojo argued that Nigeria’s policing system needs modernization to effectively combat its security challenges.
Borno South Senator Ali Ndume stressed the urgent need for more police personnel, emphasizing that Nigeria’s police force is insufficient for its population. He supports the decentralization of policing authority to enable states to manage their own security effectively.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana cautioned against relying solely on the creation of state police to resolve insecurity. He contended that without addressing underlying issues such as unemployment and social support for vulnerable populations, the effectiveness of local policing remains in question.
The debate over the State Police Bill continues as various stakeholders weigh the implications for Nigeria’s security landscape and governance.
