Defense and Security
BREAKING: House of Reps Passes State Police Bill in Historic Security Reform Vote
In a landmark step toward overhauling Nigeria’s security architecture, the House of Representatives has approved the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police across the federation.
The bill secured overwhelming support during plenary, with 289 lawmakers voting in favour and only four members opposing the proposal, underscoring broad legislative backing for the initiative.
Voting was conducted through a show of hands after the House’s electronic voting system reportedly experienced technical difficulties.
The passage of the bill marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and enhance security management at the sub-national level. Advocates of state policing argue that it will enable states to respond more effectively to local security challenges and improve intelligence gathering.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the country’s worsening security situation, including persistent incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes affecting several parts of Nigeria.
With the House’s approval, the proposed constitutional amendment moves a step closer to becoming law, paving the way for further legislative and constitutional processes required for the creation of state police forces nationwide.