Senate advances bill to establish state police forces
A bill to create state police and devolve policing powers to subnational governments has passed its second reading in the Senate. The proposal, led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, aims to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges by decentralising law enforcement. The bill has broad support in the Senate and includes several safeguards to prevent abuse by state governments. Lawmakers argue that state police would improve intelligence gathering and response times to local security threats.
What we know
- The bill seeks to establish both federal and state police structures, with clearly defined responsibilities and oversight mechanisms.
- Senator Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that state police would strengthen Nigeria’s internal security and federal system without undermining national unity.
- Safeguards in the bill include State Police Service Commissions, federal oversight, uniform standards, and legislative confirmation of senior appointments.
- Supporters argue that decentralised policing would improve community trust, intelligence gathering, and allow the Federal Police to focus on national security issues.
- The proposal has received broad backing from senators across party lines, including Senator Tahir Monguno, who highlighted its potential to regulate vigilante groups and enhance accountability.
