# Nigeria state police reform moves forward > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-expands-international-security-cooperation > Updated: 2026-08-31T17:21:37.000Z. Sources: 94. Developments: 54. Nigeria continues its transition toward a dual policing system following the legislative approval of the Constitution (Alteration) (State Police) Bill. A Presidential Working Group, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, is executing a programme to draft the National Policing Bill, including legal and financial frameworks and state-readiness criteria. To ensure substantive contributions, the Working Group extended the deadline for public submissions of memoranda and position papers to 5 pm on 21 August 2026. The consultation process aims to address critical concerns such as oversight structures, intelligence-sharing, and safeguards against political interference by governors. The Working Group intends to deliver an implementation-ready draft to President Tinubu by 3 September 2026. However, the push for state police has faced growing scrutiny. Opposition leaders, including Labour Party leader Peter Obi, have warned that decentralizing policing without strict oversight could allow governors to use local security forces as political tools to suppress opponents or control voting centers ahead of the 2027 general elections. Socio-religious organizations have also cautioned that rapid implementation might intensify ethnic and religious tensions if security apparatuses fall under unilateral regional control. In response to internal concerns, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu assured the Nigeria Police Force that the proposed state police will complement rather than replace the federal force, which will retain responsibility for national and inter-state security. Additionally, Assistant Inspector-General Olohundare Jimoh has emphasized the need for professionalism and neutrality among personnel to ensure the credibility of the 2027 elections. Parallel reforms include the recruitment of 50,000 new constables, handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for training in August 2026. ## Claims - The 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit was held in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, with the theme “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability”. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said lasting peace and security in the South‑East is critical to Nigeria’s unity, economic growth, and democratic stability. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Working Group set a seven‑week timetable from 27 July to 14 September 2026 for the bill's development. (corroborated by 6 sources) - President Bola Tinubu will receive and review the Executive National Policing Bill on 3 September 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources) - President Bola Tinubu’s administration committed to protecting lives and property through enhanced intelligence sharing, inter‑agency coordination, modern equipment and international partnerships. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill is chaired by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Minister of Information Mohammed Idris urged stakeholders to reject misinformation and support constitutional reforms to create state police. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The bill proposes a dual policing system with federal and state police, setting standards for recruitment, training, oversight, funding and safeguards against political abuse. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Nigeria Police leadership addresses state police reforms and 2027 election security Nigerian police leadership has addressed concerns regarding proposed state police reforms and emphasized the necessity of neutrality and professionalism to ensure security for the 2027 general elections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-leadership-addresses-state-police-reforms-and-2027-election-security ### 2026-08-17: Nigeria debates state police proposal amid electoral integrity concerns Nigeria faces debate over a constitutional push for state police, with critics warning of potential electoral manipulation and increased regional tensions ahead of the 2027 elections. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-debates-state-police-proposal-amid-electoral-integrity-concerns ### 2026-08-12: Nigeria extends deadline for National Policing Bill submissions Nigeria's Presidential Working Group has extended the deadline for public input on the National Policing Bill to August 21, 2026, to ensure robust consultation on proposed state police reforms. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-presidency-sets-deadline-for-national-policing-bill-submissions ### 2026-08-07: Nigeria Police Force receives 50,000 new constables for training Nigeria’s Police Service Commission handed over 50,000 newly recruited constables to the Nigeria Police Force for training, following President Tinubu’s security emergency directive. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-force-receives-50000-new-constables-for-training ### 2026-08-02: Nigeria's President Tinubu to Review National Policing Bill on Sept 3 President Tinubu will review the draft National Policing Bill on 3 Sept 2026 after a seven‑week drafting programme; a two‑week public consultation via nationalpolicingbill.com is open, while civil groups urge a 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-sharia-council-urges-caution-on-state-police-constitutional-amendment ### 2026-07-30: Nigeria's South-East Security Summit Calls for Police Reform, Tech Boost Nigeria's 2026 South‑East Security Summit in Umuahia urged police reform, army expansion, and tech upgrades, while pledging investments in infrastructure and youth programs to boost regional stability. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-southeast-security-summit-calls-for-broadbased-peace-strategy ### 2026-07-24: Nigeria's House Approves State Police Constitutional Amendment Nigeria's House passed a constitutional amendment to create State Police Services, with 311 votes, despite a minority walkout; the bill now moves toward Senate approval and state ratification. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-house-approves-state-police-bill-amid-minority-walkout ### 2026-07-22: Nigeria's House Passes State Police Bill Toward Dual Policing System Nigeria's House approved a bill establishing state police, advancing a dual federal‑state policing system to decentralise security and address rising violence. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-house-passes-state-police-bill-toward-dual-policing-system ### 2026-07-19: Nigeria Advances State Police Constitutional Amendment Nigeria's Senate and House are pushing a constitutional amendment to create state police, citing worsening insecurity, with a House committee set to debate President Tinubu's 26‑clause bill establishing a dual‑ 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-advances-state-police-constitutional-amendment ### 2026-07-18: Nigeria Police Reform Sparks Calls for Overhaul and Caution on State Police HURIWA urges President Buhari to overhaul the Nigerian Police Force after recent officer killings, while the NNPP warns against rushing a state police law before the 2027 elections, demanding safeguards and ind 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-reform-sparks-calls-for-overhaul-and-caution-on-state-police ### 2026-07-16: Nigeria police intensify anti‑crime operations in Ogun‑Lagos border and Delta state Nigeria police boost anti‑crime drives: Operation KOS’AYE curbs crime on the Ogun‑Lagos border, while Delta’s CP orders a forest‑bandit crackdown with heightened patrols and community cooperation. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-intensify-anticrime-operations-in-ogunlagos-border-and-delta-state ### 2026-07-15: Nigeria Senate Leader Bamidele Urges First‑Line Funding for State Police Nigeria's Senate leader pushes for first‑line funding of state police, while the House speaker says the bill includes safeguards to stop governors turning them into private armies. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-leader-bamidele-urges-firstline-funding-for-state-police ### 2026-07-15: Nigeria Completes Recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables Nigeria's Police Service Commission confirmed the completion of a 50,000‑constable recruitment, detailing portal checks, training assignments and President Tinubu's approval. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-completes-recruitment-of-50000-police-constables ### 2026-07-13: Nigeria's State Police Bill Moves to Legislative Review Amid Calls for Nationwide Public Hearings Nigeria's State Police Bill faces a legislative harmonisation effort while civil groups demand nationwide public hearings to ensure safeguards against political abuse. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-state-police-bill-moves-to-legislative-review-amid-calls-for-nationwide-public-hearings ### 2026-07-12: Nigeria advances constitutional amendment for state police Nigeria's president proposed a constitutional amendment to create state police, with governors and legislators supporting the move and safeguards to prevent abuse. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-advances-state-police-reform-amid-security-crisis ### 2026-07-11: Nigeria's IGP Tunji Disu backs state police reform to boost community policing Nigeria’s police chief Tunji Disu urged adoption of a state police force, saying it would strengthen community policing, intelligence and response, while noting the need for study and planning; remarks made at 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-igp-tunji-disu-backs-state-police-reform-to-boost-community-policing ### 2026-07-09: Nigeria police strengthen inter‑state patrols and media partnership Kogi and Benue police launch a joint border patrol, while Oyo police chief calls for tighter media cooperation to fight misinformation and enhance security. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-strengthen-interstate-patrols-and-media-partnership ### 2026-07-09: Nigeria's Oshiomhole pushes state police reform Senator Adams Oshiomhole calls for state police in Nigeria, saying governors need policing authority to improve security and accountability. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-oshiomhole-pushes-state-police-reform ### 2026-07-09: Nigeria's Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun backs simultaneous passage of state police bill Governor Dapo Abiodun expects all 36 Nigerian states to pass a constitutional amendment creating state police, calling for funding, judicial and accountability reforms, with Lagos Assembly already endorsing the 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-southwest-security-groups-and-lagos-assembly-back-state-police-bill ### 2026-07-08: Northern Nigeria Governors Launch ₦1bn‑Monthly Security Trust Fund Nineteen northern Nigerian governors inaugurated the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, pledging N1 billion per state each month for a year to boost regional security, intelligence sharing and back state‑pol 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northern-nigeria-governors-back-state-police-and-launch-1-billion-monthly-security-trust-fund ### 2026-07-08: Nigeria Police Commissioners Urge Public Support in Crime Fight Nigeria’s police chiefs Yemi Oyeniyi and Ahmed Sanusi urged community help in fighting crime, highlighting new reforms, anti‑kidnapping efforts and calls for public vigilance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-commissioners-urge-public-support-in-crime-fight ### 2026-07-07: Nigeria police crisis fuels state police debate and calls to redeploy Osun commissioner Former IGP Okiro criticised Nigeria’s federal police as under‑funded and ineffective, while civil groups in Osun demanded the redeployment of Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan over alleged political bias ahead of the 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-crisis-fuels-state-police-debate-and-calls-to-redeploy-osun-commissioner ### 2026-07-07: Nigeria President Bola Tinubu launches panel to draft national policing bill President Tinubu launches a working group, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, to draft a national policing bill that will create state police across Nigeria, with governors pledging support and an estimated 200,000‑ 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-passes-state-police-bill-reshaping-federalstate-security-balance ### 2026-07-03: Nigeria Senate Approves State Police Bill Amid Security Debate Nigeria’s Senate passed a bill to establish state police, sparking hopes for localized security but also worries over funding, oversight and political misuse ahead of the 2027 elections. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-senate-passes-state-police-bill-amid-security-debate ### 2026-06-30: Nigeria’s proposed state police face calls for constitutional safeguards Olisa Agbakoba backs Nigeria’s state police bill but warns it needs constitutional safeguards to prevent political abuse, urging independent institutions and a shared appointment system. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-proposed-state-police-face-calls-for-constitutional-safeguards ### 2026-06-29: Nigeria's security policy debate intensifies as Senate approves state police bill Nigeria's Senate approves a state police bill amid political criticism, while presidential hopeful Peter Obi proposes limited negotiations with surrendering bandits, reigniting debate over security policy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-security-policy-debate-intensifies-as-senate-approves-state-police-bill ### 2026-06-28: Nigeria’s State Police Bill Advances Amid Legislative Debate Nigeria’s Senate passed a constitutional amendment to create state police, sending the bill to state assemblies; supporters cite security gains and bipartisan backing, while critics warn of political abuse. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-advances-state-police-reforms-and-celebrates-security-gains-under-president-tinubu ### 2026-06-26: Nigeria Supreme Court ruling on LGA autonomy fuels state police debate Nigeria's Supreme Court ordered direct funding to 774 local governments and barred caretaker appointments, but governors' delays have spurred criticism amid a push to create state police, worsening insecurity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-supreme-court-ruling-on-lga-autonomy-fuels-state-police-debate ### 2026-06-25: Nigeria's State Police Debate Intensifies Nigeria's debate over state police sees lawyer Femi Falana warning of abuse without reforms, while Governor Uba Sani hails it as the best solution; a constitutional amendment bill is pending Senate approval. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-state-police-debate-intensifies ### 2026-06-23: Nigeria passes State Police Bill, empowering states to run their own police forces Nigeria’s Senate passed a State Police Bill giving states their own police forces and empowering governors to appoint commissioners, hailed by APC legislators as a security breakthrough. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-passes-state-police-bill-empowering-states-to-run-their-own-police-forces ### 2026-06-23: Nigeria Senate passes constitutional amendment to create state police Nigeria's Senate passed a constitutional amendment to create state police, requiring approval by at least 24 state assemblies before presidential assent; the bill sets up a dual policing system with safeguards. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-passes-state-police-bill-sent-to-state-assemblies ### 2026-06-23: Nigeria's Senate and Niger State Assembly Suspend Legislative Sessions Nigeria's Senate halted the State Police Bill and adjourned to mourn Rep. Yaya Tongo's death, while Niger State's House voted to suspend its plenary indefinitely over unresolved executive issues. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-senate-and-niger-state-assembly-suspend-legislative-sessions ### 2026-06-23: Nigeria Senate Approves Constitutional Amendment to Create State Police Nigeria’s Senate passed a constitutional amendment creating state police, with manual clause‑by‑clause voting, presidential backing, and safeguards for appointments; the bill now moves to state assemblies and a 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/first-bank-nigeria-ceo-targeted-with-live-ammunition-parcel-lagos-police-probe ### 2026-06-23: Nigeria Senate Approves Controversial State Police Bill amid Governance Concerns Nigeria's Senate passed a State Police Bill that would decentralise policing, grant governors more security powers and set up guaranteed funding, while lawmakers warned of potential presidential overreach and p 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-approves-controversial-state-police-bill-amid-governance-concerns ### 2026-06-22: Ondo State government urges police to follow protocol in FID operations Ondo State officials warned police that recent Force Intelligence Department operations caused resident anxiety and urged the Inspector‑General to enforce proper protocols and communication. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ondo-state-government-urges-police-to-follow-protocol-in-fid-operations ### 2026-06-18: Nigeria Governors Forum backs creation of state police with constitutional safeguards Nigeria's Governors’ Forum supports a constitutionally protected state police, calling for amendments and consultations to address national security concerns. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-governors-forum-backs-creation-of-state-police-with-constitutional-safeguards ### 2026-06-17: Nigeria Senate Ends Recess Early Over Insecurity Nigeria’s Senate recalled members from recess for an emergency June 23 session to tackle worsening insecurity and consider a bill creating state police. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-ends-recess-early-over-insecurity ### 2026-06-16: Nigeria Police IGP Olatunji Disu says state police will not affect careers and urges tougher crime fight in Kano IGP Olatunji Disu says state police will not affect careers, reshapes the force into a Federal Police Service and pushes tougher, intelligence‑driven crime‑fighting in Kano, reporting hundreds of arrests. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-igp-olatunji-disu-says-state-police-will-not-affect-careers-and-urges-tougher-crime-f ### 2026-06-13: Nigeria Police Chief Olatunji Disu Calls for Accurate Suspect Data Management Nigeria's Inspector General Olatunji Disu urged nationwide investigators to improve suspect data capture at an Abuja workshop, emphasizing the Crime and Incident Database Centre’s role in modern, intelligence‑‑ 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-chief-olatunji-disu-calls-for-accurate-suspect-data-management ### 2026-06-12: Nigeria House Passes Constitutional Amendment to Create State Police Nigeria's House approved a constitutional amendment to create state police, set federal‑state policing boundaries, and revise police leadership appointments, marking a major security reform. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-house-passes-constitutional-amendment-to-create-state-police ### 2026-06-11: Nigeria's State Police Bill Passes; US Congressman Riley Moore Commends Nigeria’s parliament passed a bill permitting state‑level police forces; U.S. Rep. Riley Moore lauded the step, citing security benefits and thanking President Bola Tinubu. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-state-police-bill-passes-us-congressman-riley-moore-commends ### 2026-06-11: Nigeria passes constitutional amendment to create State Police Nigeria's House approved a constitutional amendment to create state police, with the Senate advancing it to second reading. The bill establishes a dual federal‑state policing system, adds oversight safeguards, 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-and-house-pass-state-police-bill ### 2026-06-08: Nigeria Senate to Pass State Police Bill Within a Week Nigeria’s Senate, led by Opeyemi Bamidele, will fast‑track a constitutional amendment to create state police, seeking passage this week with presidential and governors’ backing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-senate-to-pass-state-police-bill-within-a-week ### 2026-06-07: Nigeria Police IGP Olatunji Disu Leads Successful Kidnapping Rescue and Reform Drive IGP Olatunji Disu’s appointment spurred digital‑intelligence reforms in Nigeria’s police, culminating in a June 2026 operation that rescued kidnapping victims in Oyo State and highlighted ongoing capacity‑build 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-igp-olatunji-disu-leads-successful-kidnapping-rescue-and-reform-drive ### 2026-06-07: Nigeria's Senate pushes constitutional amendment to establish state police Nigeria's Senate is set to pass a constitutional amendment establishing state police, backed by President Tinubu and governors, with the bill to move to state assemblies for approval. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-senate-pushes-constitutional-amendment-to-establish-state-police ### 2026-06-05: Nigeria Advances Constitutional Amendments for State Police Nigeria moves toward a constitutional amendment to create state police, with the Presidency and Senate pledging fast‑track legislation amid rising insecurity. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-advances-constitutional-amendments-for-state-police ### 2026-06-04: Nigeria advances constitutional amendment to create state police Nigeria’s President Tinubu backs a constitutional amendment, announced by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, to establish state police, aiming to boost security amid rising violence. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-advances-constitutional-amendment-for-state-police ### 2026-06-04: Nigeria's Afenifere urges creation of state police amid rising insecurity Afenifere urges Nigeria to create state police, condemns delayed federal security response, and calls for modern tech and community action amid rising kidnappings and attacks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-afenifere-urges-creation-of-state-police-amid-rising-insecurity ### 2026-06-03: US and Nigeria deepen counterterrorism partnership Marco Rubio reaffirmed US‑Nigeria counter‑terrorism cooperation, citing a joint operation that killed an ISIS leader and expressing concern over attacks on Christians in Nigeria. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-and-nigeria-deepen-counterterrorism-partnership ### 2026-05-30: Nigeria Police Force Promotes Nearly 18,000 Junior Officers Nationwide Nigeria’s Inspector‑General Olatunji Rilwan Disu approved promotion of 17,952 junior police officers, boosting morale and emphasizing professionalism and respect for the rule of law. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-force-promotes-nearly-18000-junior-officers-nationwide ### 2026-05-14: U.S. Congressman Riley Moore urges action on Nigeria's Christian persecution and meets Atiku camp on 2027 election Congressman Riley Moore urged US action to protect Nigerian Christians after killings and met Atiku’s team to discuss insecurity ahead of the 2027 election. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-congressman-riley-moore-urges-action-on-nigerias-christian-persecution-and-meets-atiku-camp-on-20 ### 2026-05-13: Nigeria Police Chief Olatunji Disu Seeks International Backing for Major Reform Drive Nigeria's police chief Olatunji Disu urged UN agencies and foreign governments to help fast‑track reforms for a modern, rights‑based force. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-police-chief-olatunji-disu-seeks-international-backing-for-major-reform-drive ### 2026-05-09: Nigeria's NSA Nuhu Ribadu meets US leaders to deepen security cooperation Nigeria's NSA Nuhu Ribadu met US Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio to boost counter‑terrorism and defence ties. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-nsa-nuhu-ribadu-meets-us-leaders-to-deepen-security-cooperation ### 2026-05-03: Nigeria and Pakistan police chiefs convene security reforms meetings Nigeria and Pakistan police chiefs hold meetings on security reforms, police accountability and counter‑terrorism. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-and-pakistan-police-chiefs-convene-security-reforms-meetings --- Cite as: Nigeria state police reform moves forward. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-expands-international-security-cooperation