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June 23, 2026 – Abuja, Nigeria
The Senate is holding an emergency plenary session today, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with the proposed State Police Bill and national security concerns dominating deliberations.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu confirmed that the State Police Bill ranks among the most critical issues before the upper legislative chamber. "The Senate will be considering matters of public interest, especially national security. The State Police legislation will undoubtedly be a priority issue," he said.
The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for the establishment of state police forces across Nigeria's 36 states. Advocates argue that decentralising policing powers would improve intelligence gathering and enable state governments to respond more effectively to local security threats.
The bill proposes the establishment of state police commissions, state police commands, and state police recruitment and training frameworks. It also outlines the relationship between state police forces and the federal police, ensuring that state police operate within the constitutional framework.
Proponents of the bill argue that Nigeria's centralised policing system has been unable to address the diverse security challenges facing different regions. They point to the success of state-level security outfits like Amotekun in the South-West, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Ebube Agu in the South-East as evidence that localised policing can be effective.
The House of Representatives passed the bill in the penultimate week, with 289 lawmakers voting in favour, one against, and one abstention. The bill now requires passage by the Senate, ratification by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, and presidential assent before becoming law.
Supporters of the bill argue that Nigeria's centralised policing system has failed to address the country's diverse security challenges. They point to the success of state-level security outfits like Amotekun in the South-West and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards as evidence that localised policing can be effective.
Opponents, however, have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse by state governors. They argue that state police could be used to harass political opponents and suppress dissent. Others worry about the cost of establishing state police forces and the potential for duplication of effort.
Several senators have expressed their positions on the bill. Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) said: "I support the establishment of state police, but we must ensure that there are adequate safeguards to prevent abuse. We cannot have governors using state police to harass political opponents."
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) said: "The time has come for us to decentralise policing. The current system has failed, and we need to try something new. State police will improve intelligence gathering and enable states to respond more effectively to local security threats."
The Senate's consideration of the State Police Bill is expected to generate significant debate. If passed, the bill will move to the state Houses of Assembly for ratification. The process could take months or even years.
The establishment of state police is one of the most significant constitutional reforms being considered in Nigeria. If enacted, it would fundamentally change the country's security architecture and could have far-reaching implications for governance, federalism, and human rights.
The Senate's decision on the bill will be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers alike. A successful passage would mark a significant shift in Nigeria's approach to security, while failure would represent a missed opportunity for reform.
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