President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate, seeking the establishment of state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.
The proposed legislation aims to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal foundation for state police forces across the country.
The move is in line with growing calls for constitutional reforms that would allow state governments to play a greater role in maintaining security within their jurisdictions.
Earlier in February, President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to support constitutional amendments that would pave the way for state policing, describing the initiative as a crucial step in addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving national security during his Democracy Day address this month, the President warned that terrorists, bandits, and those sponsoring criminal activities would continue to face decisive action from security agencies.
Tinubu noted that more than 13,000 terrorists had been eliminated over the past year, while terrorism-related fatalities had dropped significantly compared to previous years. Despite these gains, he acknowledged that the continued abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states highlights the security concerns that still require urgent attention.
Momentum for state police has continued to build, with both chambers of the National Assembly currently advancing constitutional amendment proposals aimed at decentralising policing powers.
The Senate is expected to reconvene for an emergency plenary session to deliberate on the bill, which many observers regard as one of the most far-reaching security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.
If approved, the legislation would create a constitutional framework for state-controlled police formations to operate alongside federal security agencies, with clearly defined powers and responsibilities.
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