Senate backs state police amid fresh school kidnappings

Nigeria’s Senate has renewed its push for state police following fresh school abductions in Borno and Oyo States, as insecurity around educational institutions continues to escalate.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, condemned the attacks, saying the incidents underline the urgent need to reform the country’s security structure.

“One of such initiatives is the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution that seeks to establish state police, which is now at an advanced stage,” he said.

He added that lawmakers will move quickly once the National Assembly resumes plenary.

“As soon as the National Assembly resumes plenaries on June 2, we will perfect all outstanding legislative initiatives that have been introduced to decisively address security challenges in the federation,” he said.

Bamidele described the abductions as a national tragedy that cannot be allowed to continue.

“The incessant abduction of students and teachers is a tragic national concern that negates our national development indices. We cannot and must not allow it to continue,” he said.

The push comes after coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo State’s Oriire area and another in Borno State, where dozens of students and teachers were abducted.

Security agencies have since intensified operations, with the Inspector-General of Police ordering additional tactical and intelligence deployments to support rescue missions.

The United States Mission in Nigeria also issued a security advisory following recent military operations, urging citizens to remain vigilant and limit unnecessary movement.

Bamidele said the proposed state police structure has become unavoidable given the scale of repeated attacks on schools and communities.

He also called for stronger implementation of the Safe School Initiative, warning that insecurity is worsening Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, estimated at over 18 million.

Lawmakers say further amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act are also being considered to strengthen deterrence against violent groups.