A bill aimed at creating state police and transferring some policing responsibilities from the federal government to state governments has moved a step closer to becoming law after passing its second reading in the Senate.
The development marks significant progress in the ongoing debate over restructuring Nigeria’s security system to allow states to play a greater role in maintaining law and order.
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for further consideration and legislative work.
Leading discussions on the proposal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described state police as a necessary reform that could help address the country’s growing security challenges.
According to him, officers operating at the state level would have a better understanding of local communities, languages, cultures, and social structures, making intelligence gathering more effective.
He explained that modern policing depends heavily on timely and accurate intelligence rather than force alone, adding that state police would strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent and respond to crime.
Bamidele noted that Nigeria continues to face numerous security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, farmer-herder clashes, cult-related violence, armed robbery, pipeline vandalism, communal conflicts, and cybercrime.
He argued that the increasing complexity of these security issues has led many Nigerians to question whether the current centralized policing system can adequately meet the country’s needs.
The senator said the bill forms part of broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s security framework and promote a more balanced federal system.
Supporting the proposal, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno said the legislation would also provide proper legal backing for the activities of vigilante groups operating across various states.
According to him, the proposed law would establish clear guidelines for the creation, operation, regulation, and accountability of state police forces.
The Senate’s action came shortly after the House of Representatives also approved the State Police Bill, further advancing efforts to decentralize policing and strengthen security management across the country.