Nigeria’s push to establish state police has entered a crucial stage. The proposed constitutional amendment now moves to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration, with the state police bill at the centre of the debate.
According to The Guardian, the National Assembly has announced the transmission of the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the states. At least 24 assemblies are required to approve the proposal before the state police bill can advance.
The proposed amendment seeks to create a constitutional framework for state-controlled police forces alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force. Specifically, the aim is to ensure that the state police bill addresses concerns of autonomy and proper governance structures.
State lawmakers are expected to examine issues including funding, accountability, recruitment, and operational independence. In addition, they must review the relationship between federal and state security structures.
24 states needed for state police
Chairman of the Nigeria Police Committee on the Establishment of State Police, Prof Olu Ogunsakin, expressed optimism. He believes the proposal could receive approval from all 36 states.
“We only need 24 states to assent to it. And it seems that we might get the whole 36 states to assent,” Ogunsakin said.
He declined to give a specific date for when state police could become operational. However, he noted that several constitutional processes must still be completed.
The proposal has gained momentum amid concerns about kidnapping, banditry, communal violence and other security challenges across Nigeria.
Concerns remain over political abuse
Despite growing support, security experts have issued warnings. They say that safeguards will be needed to prevent governors or other political actors from abusing state police structures. Importantly, proper limitations must be included in the state police bill to protect against misuse.
Director-General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research, Charles Omole, said decentralised policing could strengthen intelligence gathering and response times. But he warned against simply replicating existing problems across the states.
“If what we are going to have is the current Nigeria Police Force times 36, then we are in danger,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, Emomotimi Guwor, said state assemblies were still awaiting the formal copies of the amendment documents. This must happen before beginning legislative consideration.
Guwor said lawmakers would also engage governors and other stakeholders before taking final positions on the proposal.
