Nigerian Senate Approves State Police Bill with 84 Votes

The Nigerian Senate has endorsed a state police bill, with 84 out of 109 senators voting in support, reflecting a 77.06% approval rate. Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidel stated that the bill emerged after extensive public consultations across the country.

The proposed legislation aims to decentralize policing, allowing state police to enforce state laws and maintain public order while defining the responsibilities of federal and state police to prevent jurisdictional conflicts. Critics express concerns that state police could be misused by governors to intimidate political opponents.

However, Bamidel argues that the current security architecture is overstretched due to rising violence, including terrorism and banditry. The bill includes safeguards to prevent abuse by state governors, establishing a State Police Service Commission to regulate state police operations independently.

The commission will have the authority to operate without governor control, ensuring accountability and adherence to human rights standards.