The Senate has defended the proposed constitutional amendment seeking the establishment of state police, insisting the initiative is a response to Nigeria’s worsening security situation rather than a politically motivated move.
Speaking on the proposed legislation, the upper chamber said the bill was born out of the urgent need to strengthen internal security and improve policing across the country. Lawmakers maintained that the current centralised policing system has struggled to effectively address rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.
The Senate also dismissed concerns that the proposed state police structure could be abused for partisan purposes, noting that the bill contains safeguards, oversight mechanisms and national standards to ensure accountability and prevent political interference.
The proposed constitutional amendment, which recently passed the Senate, will still require approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can become law. If ratified, Nigeria will operate a dual policing system comprising federal and state police services.
