Nigerian Senate Approves State Police Bill for Security Reform

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate passed a landmark bill aimed at establishing state police services across Nigeria, representing a major step towards decentralizing the country's police system in response to increasing security concerns. The bill, which amends the 1999 Constitution, proposes a dual police structure consisting of federal and state police services.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented the bill, which received support from two-thirds of the Senate during its second and third readings. The proposed framework allows state police services to be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor, with recommendations made to the National Police Council.

The bill includes safeguards to prevent abuse of power, stating that state police cannot arrest or investigate individuals based solely on political affiliations. Additionally, it outlines the conditions under which federal police may intervene in state security affairs.

This legislative approval comes amid calls for a decentralized police structure as Nigeria faces challenges from terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.