State Police May Begin Operations in 2027 — Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said state police operations could begin before the end of 2026 or in the first quarter of 2027, depending on the completion of the required approvals.

Sanwo-Olu made the statement on Friday at the unveiling of the Kessington Adebutu Security Trust Fund building in Ikeja, Lagos.

The governor said the establishment of state police would expand the responsibilities of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, particularly in providing funding, logistics and other support for the proposed security outfit.

“Possibly before the end of the year, or maybe in the first quarter next year, we will now have state police in every one of our states,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu described state policing as a long-awaited development and said Lagos was prepared to support its implementation once the necessary approval was granted.

He added that the state would work to ensure that the new policing structure complemented existing security operations without creating uncertainty for serving police officers or threatening their jobs.

The governor said the Security Trust Fund would have a greater role to play in supporting security operations through resources, equipment and logistical assistance.

Established in September 2007, the fund provides support for security agencies operating in Lagos through contributions from the state government, businesses and private individuals.

Sanwo-Olu commended businessman and philanthropist Kessington Adebutu for donating the building unveiled at the event. He said cooperation between government and private citizens remained important to protecting lives and property.

The governor’s comments come as Nigeria advances the constitutional and legislative process required to establish state police.

On Friday, the Presidency announced that 24 state Houses of Assembly had approved the constitutional amendment providing for a dual policing system, meeting the required two-thirds threshold. The amendment must still complete the remaining constitutional steps, including presidential assent, before it takes effect.

The proposed framework is intended to establish state police services alongside the federal police. Detailed legislation and operational arrangements will also be needed to address recruitment, training, funding, oversight and accountability.

Sanwo-Olu’s timeline therefore remains an expectation rather than a confirmed nationwide commencement date, as implementation depends on completion of the constitutional process and the establishment of the necessary legal and operational framework.