Nigerian Senate passes bill to establish state police, moving reform to state assemblies

This legislation seeks to create state-controlled police services to operate alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force, a significant shift from the country's long-standing exclusive federal policing structure. The bill, approved by a two-thirds majority in the Senate, empowers governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by state legislatures. Proponents argue this dual policing structure will improve security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities, with state police handling local issues like enforcing state laws and maintaining public order, while federal police focus on national security matters such as counter-terrorism and organized crime.

Safeguards have been included to prevent abuse of power by governors, such as a provision stating that a state Commissioner of Police cannot arrest or deploy force against individuals or groups merely for criticizing the government, except in accordance with the law. The National Assembly would also retain powers to prescribe minimum national standards for state police services. Supporters, including retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aare Tunji Alapinni and the Western Nigeria Security Network Amotekun, believe state policing will strengthen grassroots security and improve intel