House Approves State Police Bill In Major Security Reform Push

The House of Representatives has passed the constitutional amendment bill seeking the creation of state police, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to reshape Nigeria’s security framework.

Lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the proposal during plenary, with 289 members voting in support of the bill, while only four voted against it.

The vote was conducted through a show of hands after the House’s electronic voting system reportedly experienced technical difficulties.

The approval is seen as a major step toward decentralising policing in Nigeria, a proposal that has gained momentum amid persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

Supporters of the initiative argue that state-controlled police forces would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and enable faster responses to local security threats.

They also contend that governors and state authorities are better positioned to address security issues unique to their regions.

The passage of the bill advances it further in the constitutional amendment process as lawmakers continue to consider a range of reforms aimed at strengthening national security and improving governance.

If eventually adopted, the measure could bring about one of the most far-reaching changes to Nigeria’s policing system since the return to democratic rule.