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By Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
In what may ultimately rank among the most consequential constitutional reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the Senate has passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, a landmark 26 clause Executive Bill transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking to fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s policing architecture.
The legislation, which scaled second reading and subsequently passed through clause-by-clause consideration before securing third reading approval, seeks to alter Sections 214, 215 and 216 of the 1999 Constitution to formally establish State Police Services alongside the existing Federal Police Force.
For decades, Nigeria operated a single centralized policing structure under the Nigeria Police Force. Under the new constitutional framework, that arrangement would give way to a dual policing system comprising both Federal Police and State Police.
The significance of the reform was reflected not only in the overwhelming support it received on the Senate floor but also in the unusual presence of top executive officials and governors who watched proceedings from the chamber gallery.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside Governors Uba Sani, Dapo Abiodun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as several Attorneys-General, witnessed what many lawmakers described as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on behalf of the Presidency, enjoyed overwhelming support as senators voted clause-by-clause through a manual voting process after the Senate abandoned its planned electronic voting system due to technical concerns.
Yet beyond the votes and legislative procedures lies a deeper national conversation.
Can State Police solve Nigeria’s worsening insecurity?
Will governors abuse the new powers?
Can states afford the financial burden?
Will the safeguards be sufficient?
To answer these questions, The Sun engaged several senators immediately after the historic vote, seeking their perspectives on the legislation, its safeguards, implementation challenges and implications for Nigeria’s future.
Their responses reveal a remarkable consensus in support of State Police, even among lawmakers who previously opposed the idea.
What Exactly Does the Bill Change?
The focal point of the amendment is Clause 12, which alters Section 214 of the Constitution.
For the first time, Nigeria’s Constitution would recognize two policing structures:
Federal Police Service and the State Police Service
The amendment effectively ends the constitutional monopoly previously enjoyed by the Nigeria Police Force.
Governors to Appoint Commissioners of Police
One of the most significant changes is contained in Clause 17.
Under the amendment, each State Police Service will be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor.
However, lawmakers inserted multiple safeguards.
A governor cannot appoint a commissioner unilaterally.
The appointment must first be recommended by the National Police Council before being confirmed by a two-thirds majority of the State House of Assembly.
Governors Can Issue Directives — But Not Arbitrary Orders
The amendment also addresses one of the longstanding practical problems in Nigeria’s security structure.
For decades, governors have been described as “Chief Security Officers” of their states despite lacking operational control over police commands.
Section 17(6) changes that.
Governors may now issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to State Commissioners of Police regarding public safety and public order.
However, those directives are carefully restricted.
Protection Against Political Abuse
Recognizing widespread fears that governors could deploy State Police against political opponents, lawmakers inserted one of the strongest safeguards in the bill.
Section 17(7) expressly prohibits a Commissioner of Police from:
Arresting individuals merely for criticizing government.
Detaining political opponents for dissent.
Investigating citizens solely for expressing opposition views.
Deploying force against individuals, parties or groups merely because they criticize government.
Any action must strictly comply with the law.
The Commissioner Can Reject a Governor’s Directive
Perhaps the most innovative safeguard in the bill is what lawmakers describe as an institutional “escape hatch.”
Where a Commissioner of Police believes a governor’s directive is unlawful, unconstitutional, politically motivated or inconsistent with accepted policing standards, the commissioner may refer the matter to the National Police Council.
The Council’s decision becomes binding and final. This provision creates an independent mechanism for resisting political interference.
Federal Intervention Still Possible
The amendment also preserves a significant federal role.
Under Clause 16 subsection Section (12), the Federal Government may intervene in the affairs of a State Police Service where:
There is a complete breakdown of law and order beyond the state’s capacity; or
The governor formally requests intervention.
However, the President cannot sustain such intervention indefinitely.
The Senate must approve the action within 48 hours.
Security of Tenure
The amendment also protects police chiefs from arbitrary dismissal.
An Inspector-General of Police can no longer be removed solely at presidential discretion.
Likewise, governors cannot simply dismiss Commissioners of Police.
Removal now requires:
Recommendation based on stated cause;
Oversight mechanisms involving the National Police Council;
Approval by a two-thirds majority of the State House of Assembly.
The objective is to insulate police leadership from political pressure.
Nigerian Senators react:
Sani Bello: “Better Late Than Never”
Former Niger State Governor and current Senator representing Niger North, Sani Bello, approached the debate from the perspective of a former chief executive of a state grappling with security challenges.
He argued that Nigeria’s growing population and security threats have outpaced the capacity of the centralized police structure.
“The way police is being structured today, they cannot meet up with the security challenges.”
The former governor believes State Police will increase operational presence across communities.
“It will increase the number of boots on ground.”
While acknowledging that improvements could still be made to the legislation, Bello said the Senate had inserted important safeguards.
“More work can be done on that, but so far so good.”
He also offered a realistic assessment of implementation.
“Sometimes when you start implementation, that’s when you see some gaps.”
Even so, he remains optimistic.
“It won’t stop insecurity completely, but it will help reduce it drastically.”
Francis Onyewuchi: “Security Is A Local Business And Must Be Kept Local”
Among the strongest advocates of the bill was Senator Francis Onyewuchi (Imo East), who praised President Tinubu for transmitting the Executive Bill and described State Police as a necessary response to Nigeria’s security crisis.
According to him:
“First of all, I want to thank the President for the courage he has shown in bringing this bill to Parliament.”
The senator argued that Nigeria’s federal structure naturally supports decentralized policing.
“Nigeria is a federation, and like other federations United States, United Kingdom, Germany they have their own state police.”
For Onyewuchi, the rationale is straightforward.
“Security is a local business, and it must be kept local.”
He believes State Police will relieve the burden currently placed on the Federal Police while allowing more targeted responses to local security challenges.
On funding concerns, the senator expressed confidence that states now possess greater financial capacity.
“The states are getting a lot of money now, so funding will definitely be better.”
Perhaps most importantly, he argued that State Police would introduce clearer accountability.
“Any state that you have insecurity, you know who to hold responsible.”
Responding to concerns that the timing of the bill may be linked to the 2027 elections, Onyewuchi dismissed such fears.
“This matter is an existential matter. It’s not about election all the time. We have to be alive before we can talk about elections.”
Quoting a popular Chinese proverb, he added:
“The best time to plant a tree is 50 years ago, the next best time is now.”
Abdulfatai Buhari: “No System Is 100 Percent Perfect”
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) acknowledged that every policing model carries advantages and disadvantages.
“There’s no any system in the whole of this world that has no pros and cons.”
For him, success will ultimately depend on implementation.
“The most important thing is implementation of the law.”
On recruitment fears, Buhari rejected suggestions that State Police would be uniquely vulnerable to abuse.
“Do you want to tell me even recruitment at the federal government level does not have challenges?”
He stressed that legal safeguards are what ultimately matter.
“The law must be there to checkmate whatever disadvantages that are there.”
The senator also pointed to international precedents.
“In America, they have state police. In Canada, they have provincial police.”
His conclusion was unambiguous:
“I believe we are heading in the right direction.”
Abba Moro: From Skeptic to Supporter
Perhaps one of the most revealing positions came from Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (Benue South).
Moro disclosed that he was initially uncomfortable with State Police.
His primary concern was funding.
“That was my worry.”
He explained that senators extensively debated whether states possess the financial capacity to sustain police services.
According to him, increased state revenues following subsidy removal helped address those concerns.
“State governments should be able to pay.”
Moro said his support eventually came after lawmakers inserted safeguards against abuse.
“That is the reason why I’m supporting it.”
He pointed specifically to provisions limiting arbitrary gubernatorial powers.
“I was assured that safety nets were going to be put there.”
He highlighted constitutional checks, National Assembly oversight and the structure of State Police institutions as reasons for his confidence.
“When you look at all those and the insecurity that is pervading our country, then you know that it’s the right thing to do at this moment.”
His final position was unequivocal:
“I support the bill. I support the bill.”
Ekong Sampson: “An Idea Whose Time Has Come”
Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) described the mood in the Senate as overwhelmingly positive.
“You could see the excitement on the faces of senators.”
He repeatedly characterized State Police as overdue.
“It’s an idea whose time has come. The bill is overdue given our circumstances.”
Sampson argued that local ownership of security remains the missing link in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
“The missing link has been lack of ownership.”
Drawing from developments in Akwa Ibom, he cited community-based security structures already operating in the state as evidence that localized policing models can work.
“Akwa Ibom has presented a model to kick-start State Police in Nigeria.”
For him, the bill represents a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
Aminu Tambuwal: State Police and True Federalism
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, used his contribution to link State Police directly to Nigeria’s federal structure.
“I have always been in support of the idea of State Police.”
Tambuwal described his position as consistent throughout his political career.
For him, the debate goes beyond security.
“I believe that that will also be a major leap into enthronement of federalism in Nigeria.”
The Sokoto senator cited recent bandit attacks in his constituency, including killings in Tureta Local Government Area, as evidence of the urgency of reform.
“Every effort that will ensure that we curb this menace of insecurity in Nigeria is needed.”
Like others, however, he emphasized safeguards.
“We must have safeguards that will ensure that there is no abuse.”
Enyinnaya Abaribe: “I Used To Be Against State Police”
One of the most nuanced interventions came from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South).
Abaribe openly admitted that he previously opposed State Police.
“Mark my words: I used to be.”
But worsening insecurity changed his position.
“Today, we know that we have very serious insecurity problems that can only be solved by thinking outside the box.”
His support nevertheless comes with important reservations.
Abaribe warned that constitutional amendments alone are insufficient.
“Our issue is actually what goes into the Police Act.”
He raised concerns over presidential intervention powers and insisted that the National Assembly must remain part of the process.
“We cannot have a situation where the President just looks at a state and decides that he will take it over.”
Funding was another major concern.
Abaribe advocated constitutional guarantees for State Police funding.
“Funds that will go to the State Police Commission must be guaranteed.”
His fear is that underfunded police formations could become vulnerable to corruption and abuse.
Despite these reservations, he ultimately endorsed the bill.
“I support this bill, provided we put the safeguards that will guarantee each Nigerian his right.”
Borno Senator: Formalising Existing Security Structures
Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno representing Borno Central argued that many regions already operate de facto state policing arrangements.
He cited the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno and Amotekun in the South-West as examples.
“What we are merely doing now is to see that all these pseudo state police become state police.”
His position reflects a growing view among lawmakers that State Police is less a radical departure than a formal recognition of security realities already existing across Nigeria.
Akpabio’s Closing Message
After the successful passage of the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed optimism that the reform would strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
According to him:
“I pray also that Nigeria will be safer with this bill, as the banditry and terrorism we are witnessing will not only be minimized but totally reduced to the barest minimum.”
He added:
“I am of the opinion that Nigeria shall conquer terrorism and banditry.”
The Bigger Picture
The Senate’s passage of the State Police Bill represents more than a constitutional amendment.
It marks the most significant attempt yet to decentralize Nigeria’s security architecture, redistribute policing authority and align the country’s security framework with its federal structure.
The interviews conducted by The Sun reveal an overwhelming consensus among senators that the status quo is no longer sustainable.
While concerns remain over funding, recruitment, gubernatorial influence and federal intervention powers, lawmakers insist that the safeguards inserted into the bill are designed precisely to address those fears.
Whether those protections prove sufficient will ultimately depend on implementation, future State Police legislation, oversight by the National Assembly, the National Police Council, State Houses of Assembly and the judiciary.
For now, however, the Senate has delivered what many lawmakers described as a once-in-a-generation constitutional reform one they believe could redefine security governance in Nigeria for decades to come.
