Nigerian Senate Approves State Police Bill for Security Reform

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill aimed at establishing state police, representing a major shift in the country's security architecture. The upper chamber approved the legislation after considering a report from its committee, with Barau Jibrin serving as the committee chairman.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage, which received support through a manual vote led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The bill proposes a dual police model, allowing state police to operate concurrently with federal police.

Key provisions include the appointment of a Commissioner of Police for each state, who will be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state House of Assembly. The bill also empowers state governors to issue laws regarding public safety and order while containing safeguards to prevent the misuse of state police against political opponents.

It ensures that actions taken by the state police comply with due process under existing Nigerian law.