Tinubu Advances Constitutional Reforms to Establish Nigerian State Police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leading a transition to decentralize Nigeria's security architecture by establishing state police to combat escalating banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. The initiative seeks to shift away from the centralized system mandated by the 1999 Constitution, which currently leaves the Nigeria Police Force to manage approximately 400,000 officers for a population exceeding 220 million.

Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila announced in early June 2026 that the government is nearing completion of a constitutional framework following several months of high-level consultations at the State House in Abuja. The process involves a two-step legislative sequence: securing a formal constitutional amendment followed by the introduction of enabling legislation to address funding, professional recruitment standards, and operational oversight.

Recent consultations included leadership from the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Nigeria Police Force. While officials and proponents like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde argue that decentralized policing will improve local intelligence and response times, critics warn that state police could be used by governors for political intimidation. Security experts have noted that the success of a state system depends on sustainable funding and strong safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure national cohesion.