[REVISION HISTORY]

Nigeria state police reform moves forward

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-17 10:39 UTC → 2026-09-01 17:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~has~~ 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. ~~Additionally, socio-religious~~ 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. On 7 August 2026, the Police Service Commission formally~~ constables, handed ~~these recruits~~ over to the Nigeria Police Force for training in Abuja. The recruitment followed a national security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in November 2025. Training is expected to begin nationwide once necessary funds are released. President Tinubu is scheduled to review the draft National Policing Bill on 3 September August 2026. ~~The amendment still requires ratification by two-thirds of state assemblies and presidential assent to become law.~~

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