Rising Insecurity: Senate Begins Constitutional Push for State Police

The Senate has commenced the constitutional process for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and address growing concerns over banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed the development on Wednesday, stating that the Red Chamber was prepared to accelerate legislative action on the proposal.

According to Adaramodu, the Senate is committed to providing the necessary constitutional backing required to establish state policing structures across the country.

“The Senate is fully prepared to commence the constitutional processes for the establishment of state police, without delay,” he said.

He added that lawmakers were determined to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing the nation’s worsening security challenges and protecting citizens from criminal activities.

The renewed push comes amid increasing concerns over insecurity, particularly following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The incident, which involved attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, sparked national outrage and renewed debate over the need for security sector reforms.

Earlier this week, the Senate condemned the attack and observed a minute of silence in honour of two teachers reportedly killed during the incident.

Speaking during plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described attacks on schools as a direct threat to the nation’s future and called for stronger measures to safeguard educational institutions.

Advocates of state police have long argued that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community-based security operations and allow faster responses to local threats.

Supporters also believe state police would complement existing federal security agencies in tackling persistent insecurity across various regions of the country.

President Tinubu has repeatedly expressed support for the initiative and recently urged the National Assembly to fast-track the constitutional amendments required for its implementation.

The latest move by the Senate signals renewed momentum for one of Nigeria’s most debated security reforms as policymakers seek lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.