Senate Moves to Fast-Track State Police Amid Rising Insecurity

The Senate of Nigeria has pledged to accelerate work on the constitutional framework required for the establishment of state police as concerns over insecurity, banditry and kidnappings continue to mount across the country.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed the position in an interview, assuring Nigerians that the Red Chamber was committed to advancing the necessary constitutional amendments.

According to Adaramodu, the Senate is prepared to begin and sustain the legislative processes needed to create state police formations as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

“Very soon. As I earlier told you, the Senate is fully prepared to commence the constitutional processes for the establishment of state police without delay.

“We will ensure that the necessary legislative stamina is accorded to the establishment of state police, so as to keep Nigerians safe and secure, and drive out rampaging bandits and other social marauders,” he said.

The renewed commitment comes amid growing public concern over worsening insecurity and increasing calls for decentralised policing following a series of deadly attacks and mass abductions in different parts of the country.

The Senate had earlier indicated that constitutional procedures for the creation of state police had already commenced, describing the initiative as a critical component of efforts to address persistent security challenges.

Adaramodu noted that lawmakers were eager to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in implementing measures aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The debate over state police has gained fresh momentum following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that reignited concerns about school security and the effectiveness of existing policing structures.

Supporters of state police argue that decentralised law enforcement would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing efforts and enable quicker responses to security threats at the local level.

They also maintain that state-controlled police formations would complement federal security agencies and help curb criminal activities across the country.