State Police: Federal Force Can Intervene Over Electoral Intimidation — Senate

The Senate has said the proposed State Police Bill contains constitutional safeguards that would allow the Federal Police to intervene in cases of electoral intimidation, serious human rights violations and threats to national security.

The upper chamber said the provisions are designed to prevent the abuse of state police by governors and other political actors.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the media office of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, amid ongoing debate over the proposed decentralisation of policing in Nigeria.

Bamidele disclosed that 84 of the 109 senators voted in support of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, during its clause-by-clause consideration, describing the outcome as evidence of broad bipartisan support.

According to him, the proposed amendment clearly defines the constitutional responsibilities of both the Federal and State Police to minimise operational conflicts and strengthen security coordination.

He explained that the Federal Police would retain responsibility for protecting federal institutions, policing the Federal Capital Territory, counter-terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, border security, arms trafficking, interstate criminal activities and other national security matters.

State Police, he said, would focus on enforcing state laws, maintaining public order and protecting lives and property within their respective states.

Bamidele noted that the bill also includes safeguards to prevent governors from exercising unchecked control over state police.

He said commissioners of police nominated by governors would require recommendations from the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the relevant State House of Assembly.

According to him, the National Police Council would oversee policy direction, funding and appointments, while an independent State Police Service Commission would regulate state police operations without the control of state governors.

He added that Federal Police intervention would only be permitted in exceptional situations, including a breakdown of public order, failure of a state police service, serious human rights violations, partisan or electoral intimidation, and threats to national security.

Bamidele also dismissed claims that the proposal was politically motivated, saying it followed extensive consultations with the executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police.

He added that public hearings conducted across the six geopolitical zones in 2025 showed overwhelming support for the establishment of state police.