JUST IN: Reps pass state police bill

Nigeria's House of Representatives has passed an executive bill to establish state police, a move seen as a significant step toward decentralizing the nation's policing system. The bill was approved during plenary on Thursday, with lawmakers opting to adopt the executive proposal over a previous constitutional amendment.

This development follows the Nigerian Senate's approval of its own version of the legislation. The combined efforts bring the country closer to implementing a dual policing system, intended to bolster internal security and enhance law enforcement effectiveness at the state level.

The House's decision to pass the executive bill signifies a shift in approach, moving away from a constitutional amendment to adopting the government's proposed legislation. This strategic move aims to expedite the process of decentralizing police powers and strengthening security infrastructure across Nigeria.