Nigerian Senate Passes State Police Bill, Moves Closer To Security Reform

The Nigerian Senate has approved a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police, a significant step toward restructuring the country’s security framework.

The bill was passed on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after lawmakers considered and adopted all 26 clauses during the committee of the whole session. The proposed legislation provides the legal basis for states to establish and operate their own police services while retaining the existing federal police system.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented the bill as an executive proposal submitted by President Bola Tinubu. He described the measure as one of the most far-reaching constitutional reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.

According to Bamidele, Nigeria’s centralised policing structure is increasingly stretched by security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, cybercrime, and organised criminal activities.

Under the proposed arrangement, any state interested in creating a police force would be required to enact relevant legislation through its House of Assembly and comply with standards prescribed by the National Assembly.

While state police would be responsible for enforcing state laws, maintaining public order, preventing crime, and protecting lives and property within their jurisdictions, the federal police would continue to oversee national security matters.

These responsibilities include counter-terrorism operations, cybercrime investigations, border security, arms trafficking cases, and policing activities within the Federal Capital Territory.

To address concerns about potential abuse of power, the bill includes provisions preventing governors from directing state police forces to target individuals, political opponents, groups, or organisations. It also prohibits the use of police authority for partisan, ethnic, religious, or personal interests.

Several lawmakers expressed support for the proposal while emphasising the need for strong safeguards.

Abia South Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe revealed that although he had previously opposed state policing, the worsening security situation across the country had changed his position. He stressed the importance of incorporating protective measures into the Police Act, particularly provisions that would prevent a president from taking control of a state police force for political purposes.

Abaribe also advocated constitutional guarantees for state police funding, suggesting that funds should be paid directly to state police commissions to prevent interference.

Sokoto South Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who has consistently supported the creation of state police, said the proposal would strengthen Nigeria’s federal system. He cited recurring bandit attacks in his constituency as evidence that alternative security solutions are urgently needed.

Tambuwal also emphasised the importance of building safeguards that would protect the system from potential abuse by future state governors.

Before the constitutional amendment can become law, it must receive approval from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly. Once that requirement is met, the bill will be forwarded to the president for assent.