Speaker Abbas: State Police Reforms to Prevent Abuse

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, stated that the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria will include safeguards to prevent governors from using these forces as private armies. During a security roundtable in Abuja, Abbas emphasized that the reforms are designed to strengthen community policing while preserving national oversight.

This initiative marks the first time a sitting president, Bola Tinubu, has formally transmitted a bill seeking to establish state police as part of national reforms. Abbas noted that the bill will undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure effective policing without undermining democracy and the rule of law.

He addressed concerns regarding potential abuse of state police for political purposes and highlighted the need for local knowledge to tackle increasing security threats. The proposed legislation will rename the Nigeria Police Force to the Federal Police Service, allowing states to establish their own police services, contingent upon meeting national standards.