Nigerian Senate Passes Bill to Establish State Police Forces

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, establishing a dual policing structure. Under this framework, state governments may maintain local police forces while the Nigeria Police Force retains authority over national security issues, including terrorism and cybercrime.

Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, defended the legislation as an urgent national necessity driven by worsening insecurity. The bill passed the upper chamber with 84 out of 109 senators voting in favor. Bamidele stated that the bill resulted from nationwide consultations and public hearings held in July 2025, involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures.

To prevent potential political abuse by governors, the bill includes accountability mechanisms and safeguards prohibiting the targeting of critics, with provisions for federal intervention during security breakdowns. The initiative follows a shift in federal police leadership, as Inspector General Olatunji Disu established a steering committee to implement the plan, replacing the opposition of his predecessor.

The National Assembly is now transmitting the bill to 36 state Houses of Assembly. For the legislation to reach President Bola Tinubu for final assent, it must be approved by at least 24 state legislatures. While the bill enjoys broad bipartisan support from parties like the All Progressives Congress and Labour Party, the Peoples Redemption Party has opposed the move, citing a lack of government credibility.