Senate Passes State Police Bill, Advances Security Reform Push

The Nigerian Senate has passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police, a move aimed at decentralising policing and strengthening security across the country.

Supporters of the proposal say it will improve intelligence gathering, enhance response to local security threats and strengthen community policing efforts, particularly in tackling banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

However, concerns have been raised by critics who fear state-controlled police could be misused for political purposes.

The legislation will proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for ratification as required by the Constitution.