Senate to Debate State Police Bill This Week

The Nigerian Senate will debate a bill this week aimed at establishing state police, as announced by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. This initiative is part of a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution, which currently mandates a single national police force.

Bamidele emphasized the necessity of creating state police in response to worsening security issues, including terrorism, banditry, and communal violence. The proposal has garnered broad support from President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other stakeholders, indicating a national consensus on the need for decentralized policing.

The amendment process requires approval from at least two-thirds of the National Assembly and ratification by 24 state houses of assembly. Bamidele stated that the bill would be fast-tracked for passage, with the aim of initiating the creation of state police within the week.

The urgency for this legislative action follows recent violent incidents, including the abduction of students and attacks on military personnel.