State Police: Federal Authorities to Handle National Security, States to Control Local Policing

Nigeria is moving closer to establishing state police forces, a security reform that has been a subject of intense debate since the country's return to democratic rule in 1999. The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill for state police, and the Senate is currently considering it through its Second Reading.

Former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtari Shagari, has joined the growing calls for the National Assembly to finalize the reform. He warned that further delays in approving state police could lead to a deeper descent into insecurity across Nigeria. The proposed legislation aims to fundamentally restructure the nation's policing system by creating separate Federal and State Police institutions.

Under the draft amendment, each state would gain the power to establish its own police service through legislation passed by its respective House of Assembly. The Federal Police would retain responsibility for national security and federal law enforcement. However, states would need to enact relevant laws and meet national minimum standards before their police formations could become operational, with the Federal Police continuing all functions until then.

A key aspect of the proposal is balancing state policing powers with safeguards against abuse and federal interference. The Federal Police would be restricted from intervening in state internal security matters unless there is a complete breakdown of law and order beyond a state's capacity, a governor formally requests assistance, or the state police face operational challenges. Any federal intervention would require prior approval from the National Police Council. The Federal Capital Territory would remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Police.

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approve state police now Before insecurity consumes Nigeria