Nigeria's House Passes State Police Bill Toward Dual Policing System

Nigeria's House of Representatives approved an executive bill to create state police services, moving the country toward a dual federal‑state policing structure. The legislation follows the Senate's earlier passage of the same proposal and aligns both chambers on a constitutional amendment that would allow individual states to operate their own police forces alongside the Federal Police.

The bill aims to decentralise policing to better address terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence, assigning national security duties—such as counter‑terrorism, cybercrime and border security—to the Federal Police while giving state forces authority over local law enforcement, public order and property protection. A special ad‑hoc Constitution Review Committee presented its report to the House, setting the stage for further clause‑by‑clause debate and harmonisation of the Senate's version. Critics warn of potential abuse, while supporters argue the reforms will improve intelligence gathering and community policing.