…As Govs. seek wider security powers
President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police to the Senate, marking a major step toward restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture as state governors push for broader powers and a sustainable funding framework for the proposed policing system.
The Bill seeks to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to create a legal basis for state police formations across the federation, a move widely seen as one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
The development comes amid growing support for decentralised policing and renewed concerns over insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
President Tinubu has repeatedly advocated constitutional reforms to allow states play a more active role in securing their territories. In February, he urged the 10th National Assembly to amend the Constitution to accommodate state police, describing the proposal as critical to addressing evolving security threats across the country.
The President reiterated that position during his Democracy Day address earlier this month, when he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and warned that terrorists, bandits and their sponsors would face the full force of the law.
According to Tinubu, more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year, while terrorism-related fatalities have declined significantly compared to previous years. He, however, acknowledged that the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states remains a stark reminder of the nation’s lingering security challenges.
Meanwhile, state governors are seeking expanded constitutional authority over security operations and guaranteed funding mechanisms for the proposed state police services. According to a report by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the proposals were discussed during consultations involving state Attorneys-General and security experts in Abuja. The recommendations outline a decentralised policing structure with clearly defined responsibilities for federal and state authorities.
The governors are said to be advocating constitutional provisions that would empower states to effectively manage local security operations while ensuring adequate funding and operational independence for state police commands.
The state police initiative has gained momentum in recent months, with both chambers of the National Assembly advancing constitutional amendment processes aimed at decentralising policing powers and strengthening grassroots security.
The Senate is expected to reconvene for an emergency plenary session to consider the Bill as lawmakers begin deliberations on the far-reaching reforms.
If approved by the 10th National Assembly and ratified by the required number of state Houses of Assembly, the legislation would pave the way for the establishment of state-controlled police formations operating alongside federal security agencies under a constitutionally defined framework.
Observers say the outcome could significantly reshape Nigeria’s approach to internal security and law enforcement.
