Nigeria’s State Police Bill Advances Amid Legislative Debate

Nigeria’s Senate has passed the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, creating a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish their own police forces alongside the federal police. The bill now moves to the National Assembly, which will transmit it to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for the two‑thirds endorsement required before presidential assent.

Lawmakers say the amendment is intended to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response and community‑based security in a country plagued by terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal clashes. The legislation incorporates safeguards – such as prohibitions on using state police to target critics and provisions allowing federal intervention in cases of national‑security threats or human‑rights violations – and received bipartisan support, with 84 of 109 senators (77 %) voting in favour.

Opposition figures and some civil‑society leaders warn the reform could be politicised, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing state police might be used to intimidate opponents or exacerbate ethnic divisions. Security experts also caution that without robust oversight, salary funding and merit‑based recruitment, the new forces could face operational and corruption risks. The debate continues as states consider ratifying the amendment.