The Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating constitutional amendments required for the establishment of state police, citing the growing threat of banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the upper chamber was prepared to fast-track the legislative process needed to create state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.
Speaking in an interview, Adaramodu stated that lawmakers were determined to give the proposal the necessary attention to improve security and protect citizens from criminal activities.
According to him, the Senate is ready to commence the constitutional procedures without delay, stressing that the initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to combat insecurity and restore public confidence in the nation’s security system.
The renewed push for state policing comes amid increasing concerns over rising attacks, abductions and killings in several parts of the country. Calls for decentralised policing have intensified following recent incidents, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Senate had earlier disclosed that the constitutional process for state police had begun, pledging legislative backing for measures designed to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges.
Proponents of state police argue that decentralising law enforcement would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and enable quicker responses to security threats. They also believe state-controlled police formations would complement existing federal security agencies in addressing crime at the grassroots level.
However, the proposal requires constitutional amendments, which must secure approval from the National Assembly and receive endorsement from at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before becoming law.
With the Senate reaffirming its support, discussions on state policing are expected to gain momentum as stakeholders seek lasting solutions to the country’s persistent security challenges.
