Nigerian Senate Passes Bill for State Police Establishment

On June 24, 2026, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill to establish state police, achieving a two-thirds majority with 73 votes. This legislative action is part of an effort to create a dual police structure, which includes both federal and state police services, to better address Nigeria's evolving security challenges.

The bill, which had already passed the House of Representatives, was expedited following President Bola Tinubu's communication to the Senate on June 16. The proposed state police aims to tackle the increasing incidents of insecurity, including banditry and kidnapping, which have overwhelmed the current central police system.

Reports indicate that Nigeria has experienced over 2.2 million kidnapping incidents from May 2023 to April 2024, with significant fatalities and ransom payments. The bill includes provisions that require state police services to meet national minimum standards before commencing operations, while federal police will continue to oversee security in states without established police services.