The Senate said state policing would strengthen security at grassroots level as Nigeria grapples with insecurity.
KaNo —
Amid rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks across Nigeria, the Senate has renewed its commitment to fast-track legislative action for the establishment of state police, a move seen as a critical step toward strengthening the country’s fragile security system.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this during an interview with the Punch on Saturday.
According to him, lawmakers are determined to ensure that the legal framework for state police is established without unnecessary delays.
“Very soon, as I earlier told you, the Senate is fully prepared to commence the constitutional processes for the establishment of state police without delay,” Adaramodu said.
“We will ensure that the necessary legislative stamina is accorded to this initiative to keep Nigerians safe and secure, and to drive out rampaging bandits and other social marauders.” he added
His remarks come at a time when public anxiety over insecurity continues to grow, with communities across the country grappling with frequent attacks and abductions.
The situation has intensified calls from stakeholders, security experts, and civil society groups for a restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system to allow for greater local control and responsiveness.
The lawmakers reiterate their willingness to support measures aimed at curbing violent crimes and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
Adaramodu further emphasised that the Senate’s efforts align with the broader agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently advocated reforms to address the country’s security challenges.
“The legislature is desirous of supporting Mr President and the Nigerian public on this,” he said.
The renewed push for state police has gained urgency following a series of high-profile attacks, including the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The incident, which occurred on May 15 in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities within Oriire Local Government Area, saw armed men storm three schools and abduct scores of victims, leaving families devastated and communities shaken.
The attack sparked nationwide outrage and reignited concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas where security presence is often limited.
It also reinforced longstanding arguments that the current centralised policing structure may be inadequate to respond swiftly to local threats.
Advocates of state police argue that decentralising law enforcement would significantly enhance intelligence gathering and improve response times.
By allowing states to establish and manage their own police forces, they believe security agencies would be better positioned to understand local dynamics, build trust within communities, and prevent crimes before they escalate.
Proponents also maintain that state police would complement federal security agencies rather than replace them, creating a more layered and coordinated security architecture capable of tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
However, the path to establishing state police is not without hurdles.
The proposal requires amendments to the Constitution, a process that demands approval by the National Assembly and endorsement by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly.
This means sustained political consensus and cooperation across different levels of government will be essential.
Despite these challenges, recent developments suggest that momentum is building up with significant progress reportedly been made following months of consultations among the executive arm of government, lawmakers, and security stakeholders.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, confirmed that discussions on the proposed framework have advanced considerably.
Speaking after a consultative meeting convened at the State House in Abuja,on Friday,he noted that deliberations began several months ago on the directive of President Tinubu.
“We started deliberations in the last three or four months on how to go about the establishment of state police as directed by Mr President,” Gbajabiamila said.
“Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities, and thankfully, we have now gained a lot of traction.” he added
According to him, the focus has now shifted to drafting the necessary constitutional amendments, after which enabling laws will follow to define the structure, operations, and oversight mechanisms of state police formations.
“Right now, what we are looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law would follow thereafter. That is what we have been deliberating on,” he added.
Gbajabiamila also highlighted what he described as growing national consensus on the issue. He noted that the debate has largely moved beyond whether state police should exist to how best to design a system that is effective, accountable, and aligned with democratic principles.
President Tinubu is expected to receive a comprehensive report on the outcome of the consultations, which form part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to develop a workable and sustainable framework for decentralised policing.
For many Nigerians, the push for state police represents a potential turning point in the country’s fight against insecurity. Yet, questions remain about funding, accountability, and the risk of political misuse at the state level.
Critics have warned that without strong safeguards, state-controlled police forces could be vulnerable to abuse by local authorities.
As the Senate moves to accelerate the legislative process, all eyes will be on lawmakers and state governments to build consensus and ensure that any new policing structure prioritises professionalism, human rights, and public trust.
With insecurity continuing to disrupt livelihoods and threaten national stability, the urgency of reform has never been clearer.
The proposed state police is one of the most significant policy debates shaping Nigeria’s security future amidst rising insecurity ravaging regions.
