By Queen Madaki
The Bureau Journal | Updated June 2026
Nigeria’s push to establish state police has reached a historic milestone after the National Assembly approved the Constitution (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026.
The proposed legislation, which now awaits approval by at least two-thirds of the country’s State Houses of Assembly before it can become law, is widely regarded as one of the most significant constitutional reforms since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
For decades, security experts, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and civil society organisations have argued that Nigeria’s centralised policing system has become overstretched in the face of rising insecurity.
From terrorism in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, kidnapping across the North-Central, cult-related violence in the South-South and separatist agitation in parts of the South-East, security challenges have continued to expose the limitations of a single federally controlled police force.
Supporters believe state police could transform internal security by allowing states to respond faster to local threats, while critics warn that governors could abuse such powers for political purposes.
In this comprehensive explainer, The Bureau Journal examines everything Nigerians need to know about the proposed State Police Bill, what it seeks to achieve, how it will work, the safeguards included in the legislation, possible benefits, criticisms, funding arrangements and what happens next before the bill becomes law.
What Is the State Police Bill?
The State Police Bill is a constitutional amendment seeking to establish police services under state governments alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.
Rather than replacing the federal police, the proposal introduces what is known as a dual policing structure, allowing both federal and state police agencies to operate simultaneously with clearly defined constitutional responsibilities.
The bill forms part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture in response to increasingly complex security threats affecting different regions of the country.
If eventually signed into law after receiving the required constitutional approvals, every state would have the legal authority to establish its own police service.
Why Nigeria Is Considering State Police
The demand for decentralised policing is not new.
For nearly two decades, several constitutional conferences, security summits, state governors, traditional institutions and policy experts have recommended state policing as one of the major reforms needed to improve security across Nigeria.
The major argument is simple.
Nigeria currently operates one of the world’s largest centrally controlled policing systems despite having over 220 million people spread across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Under the present arrangement, operational control remains concentrated at the federal level, limiting how quickly states can independently respond to emerging security threats.
Many governors have repeatedly argued that although they are constitutionally recognised as Chief Security Officers of their states, they possess limited direct operational authority over police personnel deployed within their jurisdictions.
Supporters of the bill believe creating state police will bridge this gap by giving state governments greater responsibility for protecting lives and property.
Major Security Challenges Driving the Reform
Several developments over the past decade have intensified calls for policing reforms.
- Terrorist attacks in parts of Northern Nigeria.
- Kidnappings along major highways.
- Banditry affecting farming communities.
- Farmer-herder conflicts.
- Communal clashes.
- Pipeline vandalism.
- Cult-related violence.
- Cyber-enabled crimes.
- Oil theft.
- Attacks on schools and rural communities.
Security experts argue that many of these threats require local intelligence gathering, community trust and rapid deployment capabilities that are often difficult under a highly centralised policing system.
How Did the Bill Reach This Stage?
The current proposal represents years of constitutional debates and legislative efforts.
After extensive consultations involving security agencies, legal experts, lawmakers and state governments, the executive transmitted the constitutional amendment bill to the National Assembly.
The House of Representatives first considered and passed the legislation before the Senate approved the bill following deliberations and the adoption of the report of its Committee on Constitution Review.
Its passage by both chambers marks one of the biggest constitutional reforms currently before the country.
However, this does not automatically make the proposal law.
Under Section 9 of the Constitution, constitutional amendment bills must also secure approval from at least twenty-four State Houses of Assembly before they can receive presidential assent.
What Does a Dual Police Structure Mean?
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the proposal is the idea that state police will replace the Nigeria Police Force.
That is not the intention of the bill.
Instead, Nigeria would operate two complementary policing institutions.
The Nigeria Police Force would continue handling matters relating to national security, terrorism, organised crime, border protection, federal investigations, cybercrime and offences affecting national interest.
Meanwhile, state police services would focus primarily on internal state security, enforcement of state laws, community policing, crime prevention, intelligence gathering and rapid response to local security challenges.
The expectation is that both institutions will collaborate rather than compete.
What Problems Is the Bill Trying to Solve?
The proposed legislation attempts to address several long-standing structural weaknesses within Nigeria’s policing framework.
- Slow response to emergencies.
- Insufficient police personnel for Nigeria’s growing population.
- Poor knowledge of local communities.
- Delayed intelligence gathering.
- Limited operational flexibility for state governments.
- Overburdened federal policing institutions.
- Increasing complexity of modern security threats.
Supporters argue that allowing states to maintain their own police organisations could significantly improve public safety while strengthening grassroots security partnerships.
Who Will Appoint State Police Commissioners?
One of the most significant provisions of the proposed State Police Bill concerns the appointment of State Commissioners of Police.
Under the proposed constitutional framework, each state governor will have the authority to nominate a Commissioner of Police for the state police service. However, the appointment will not become effective automatically.
The nominee must first receive confirmation from the State House of Assembly and must also pass through the advisory process of the National Police Council before assuming office.
The bill equally introduces safeguards for removal from office. A governor cannot arbitrarily dismiss a State Commissioner of Police. Instead, any removal would require the approval of at least two-thirds of members of the State House of Assembly.
Supporters say this provision is intended to promote accountability and reduce the possibility of political interference.
Can Governors Give Operational Directives?
Yes, but the proposed legislation places limits on those powers.
The bill allows governors, as Chief Security Officers of their respective states, to issue directives relating to public safety, law and order within their jurisdictions.
However, those directives must remain within the confines of the Constitution and existing laws.
If a directive is considered unlawful or inconsistent with constitutional provisions, the National Police Council is empowered to review and challenge it through the mechanisms provided by law.
This provision is designed to strike a balance between operational independence and democratic oversight.
Will Federal Police Still Operate Across Nigeria?
Absolutely.
The proposed amendment does not abolish or weaken the Nigeria Police Force.
Instead, both institutions are expected to operate alongside each other under a dual policing arrangement.
While state police will focus on local security matters, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to retain exclusive responsibility for issues of national importance.
These include:
- Terrorism and insurgency
- Border security
- Cybercrime investigations
- Transnational organised crime
- Protection of federal institutions
- Financial crimes affecting national interests
- Interstate criminal operations
The objective is to ensure that national security remains coordinated while allowing states to address community-based security concerns more efficiently.
When Can the Federal Government Intervene?
Although the bill limits routine federal interference in state policing operations, it provides specific situations where intervention may become necessary.
Federal authorities may step in where issues involve:
- National security threats
- Breakdown of constitutional order
- Serious violations of fundamental rights
- Electoral violence and intimidation
- Interstate criminal activities
- Other exceptional security emergencies recognised by law
Even in such situations, intervention is expected to follow constitutional procedures, including presidential authorisation and legislative oversight where applicable.
How Does the Bill Prevent Political Abuse?
One of the strongest criticisms of state policing over the years has been the fear that governors could use security agencies to harass political opponents, journalists, activists and opposition parties.
To address these concerns, the State Police Bill introduces explicit safeguards.
The proposed law prohibits state police from targeting individuals or organisations solely because they criticise a government, belong to an opposition political party or exercise their constitutional rights.
Any misuse of policing powers for political persecution would amount to a violation of the constitutional provisions governing state police operations.
Legal experts believe these safeguards will ultimately depend on effective enforcement by the courts, oversight institutions and democratic accountability.
How Will State Police Be Funded?
Funding has remained one of the most debated aspects of the proposed reform.
Under the bill, state governments will bear primary responsibility for financing their respective police services.
This includes:
- Personnel salaries
- Operational logistics
- Vehicles and patrol equipment
- Training programmes
- Communication infrastructure
- Administrative expenses
The legislation also provides that the Federal Government may offer grants or financial support where necessary, subject to recommendations by relevant institutions and approval through the National Assembly.
Analysts believe the financial capacity of individual states may influence how quickly state police services can become fully operational if the bill eventually becomes law.
What Is the State Police Service Commission?
The proposed constitutional amendment also establishes a State Police Service Commission.
The commission will play an important oversight role in ensuring professionalism, discipline and accountability within state police services.
According to the proposed framework, the commission will comprise retired senior police officers drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Members are expected to possess significant policing experience and will be appointed in accordance with constitutional procedures.
The commission will oversee matters relating to appointments, discipline, standards and administrative regulation of state police institutions.
Why Many Nigerians Support State Police
Supporters believe decentralised policing could significantly improve Nigeria’s security landscape.
Some of the anticipated benefits include:
- Faster emergency response within communities.
- Improved intelligence gathering through local knowledge.
- Closer collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders.
- Better understanding of local languages and cultural dynamics.
- Reduced pressure on the Nigeria Police Force.
- Improved crime prevention strategies.
- Greater accountability to local communities.
Many security experts argue that policing is generally more effective when officers possess strong familiarity with the communities they serve.
Major Concerns Raised by Critics
Despite widespread support, the proposal continues to generate debate among constitutional lawyers, civil society organisations and political analysts.
Some concerns include:
- Possible political misuse by state governments.
- Funding difficulties for financially weaker states.
- Risk of inconsistent policing standards across the federation.
- Potential jurisdictional conflicts between federal and state police.
- Concerns about recruitment transparency.
- Human rights enforcement and accountability.
These issues are expected to remain subjects of public debate even after constitutional approval.
What Happens Next?
Although both chambers of the National Assembly have passed the constitutional amendment, the legislative process is not yet complete.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, constitutional amendments require approval by at least twenty-four State Houses of Assembly.
If the required number of states endorse the proposal, the bill will then be transmitted to the President for assent before becoming part of the Constitution.
Should the amendment fail to secure support from two-thirds of the states, it cannot take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will State Police Replace the Nigeria Police Force?
No. Both institutions will operate side by side under a dual policing structure.
Can Governors Control State Police Completely?
No. Their powers are subject to constitutional safeguards, legislative confirmation procedures and oversight mechanisms.
Will Every State Automatically Have State Police?
No. States will need to establish and fund their respective police services after the constitutional amendment takes effect.
Who Pays State Police Officers?
State governments will primarily fund their police services, although federal grants may be available under certain conditions.
Has the Bill Become Law?
Not yet. The amendment still requires approval by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly before it can be presented for presidential assent.
Conclusion
The proposed State Police Bill represents one of the most ambitious constitutional reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Supporters view it as a practical response to growing insecurity, arguing that decentralised policing could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community partnerships and enhance rapid response to crime.
At the same time, concerns about funding, accountability and political interference continue to shape public debate.
Ultimately, the success of state policing will depend not only on constitutional amendments but also on transparent implementation, adequate funding, strong oversight institutions and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
As the amendment moves to the State Houses of Assembly for consideration, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the country is ready to embrace one of the most significant policing reforms in its democratic history.
Read more Nigeria News Today and in-depth constitutional explainers only on The Bureau Journal as we continue to provide factual, balanced and reader-focused coverage of Nigeria’s evolving political and security landscape.
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