Washington D.C., USA / Abuja, Nigeria | By Prime Brief Media
United States Congressman Riley Moore has welcomed the passage of Nigeria's State Police Bill by the House of Representatives, describing it as a key step toward tackling insecurity.
The bill passed with 289 lawmakers in favour, one against, and one abstention. It seeks to allow Nigeria's 36 states to establish their own police forces.
Congressman Moore said: "Ensuring states can protect their own citizens is a critical step toward ending the persecution of Christians and the overall instability in Nigeria. I commend President Tinubu for backing this important legislation."
Moore has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government's handling of security, previously alleging that Fulani militants have killed more Nigerians than Boko Haram and ISIS combined. His support for the state police bill signals continued US interest in Nigeria's internal security reforms.
The bill must still be passed by the Senate, ratified by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, and receive presidential assent before becoming law. The process could take months or even years.
Supporters of the bill argue that centralized policing has failed to address local security challenges. Opponents fear that state police could be abused by state governors for political purposes.