The Nigerian Senate has passed constitutional amendments that pave the way for the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.The historic decision was taken on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, during plenary as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. This development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, moving away from the long-standing centralised policing system.
The amendment seeks to grant states the constitutional power to establish and maintain their own police forces to complement the Nigeria Police Force in tackling insecurity at the grassroots level.
Proponents of State Police argue that the current federal police structure is overstretched and often ineffective in responding swiftly to local security challenges. With rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, and urban crime, many governors and stakeholders have consistently called for decentralised policing.
The passage of the bill in the Senate is a major step forward, though the amendments still require concurrence from the House of Representatives and approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly before they can take effect.
This development has been welcomed by several state governors, particularly those in regions most affected by insecurity. They believe State Police will enable faster response times and better intelligence gathering within their domains.
However, concerns have also been raised about potential abuse of power, risk of political victimization, and the capacity of some states to adequately fund and manage their own police forces.
The Senate’s decision is expected to spark intense debate as the constitutional amendment process continues in the House of Representatives.
The establishment of State Police, if successfully implemented, will represent one of the most significant constitutional changes in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, fundamentally altering the country’s approach to internal security.
