State Police Reform Advances In Nigeria Lawmakers Vote Yes

Nigeria’s parliament has moved closer to creating state police as lawmakers advanced a constitutional bill aimed at tackling insecurity. Reuters reported on June 11, 2026, that the measure would allow each of the country’s 36 states to establish and run its own police force alongside the federal Nigeria Police Force.

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of the constitutional amendment, while the Senate was expected to approve it later the same day. The proposal is one of the most significant policing reforms in years.

Supporters say state police could improve response time, strengthen local intelligence, and help states deal with kidnappings, banditry and communal violence. Nigeria’s current centralised policing system has long faced criticism from governors and security analysts.

Reform Needs More Approvals

The bill still requires backing from at least two thirds of state assemblies before it can become part of the constitution. That means the reform is not yet final, even though lawmakers have pushed it forward.

The move comes as security pressure continues to rise across the country. Recent attacks on schools and communities have renewed debate over whether the federal police can handle Nigeria’s growing security challenges alone.

State governors have repeatedly called for greater control over policing in their domains. By contrast, some critics warn that poor oversight could lead to abuse if state police are not properly regulated.

Security Debate Expands

The reform has also gained diplomatic attention. Nigeria has defended the state police plan at the United Nations, describing it as a strategic step toward tackling insecurity and improving police accountability.

Supporters argue that local police commands can respond faster to threats because they understand local terrain and community tensions better. However, lawmakers still need to clear the remaining legal hurdles before the proposal can become reality.