Nigerian Senate Approves Historic State Police Reform Lagos, Nigeria — A historic milestone in Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape was reached on June 24, 2026, as the Nigerian Senate approved a bill that will allow states to establish their own police forces. This reform, which has been met with both optimism and skepticism, is a significant step towards addressing the country’s complex security challenges.
The bill, which was previously passed by the House of Representatives, now requires approval from two — thirds of Nigeria’s state-level houses of assembly and presidential assent to become law.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his support for the reform, which aims to decentralize the police force and create more accountable and responsive local police units. Nigeria has long grappled with security issues, including a jihadist insurgency in the north, farmer-herder conflicts in the center, and separatist movements in the southeast.
The country’s federal police and military have been stretched thin, struggling to maintain security across the vast nation.
Critics of the highly centralized federal police force argue that it has been ineffective in addressing the country’s conflicts. They point to the recent mass school abduction in the southwest region as evidence of the system’s failings.
Officials commented on the matter.
Supporters of the state police reform believe it will lead to more nimble and accountable local police forces. For years, states have resorted to backing locally recruited militias to address security gaps left by the military and police.
However, “Putting Nigeria’s 36 states in control of their own police could embolden the country’s powerful governors, “warns Usman Ibrahim, director of security programs at SARI Global, a risk consultancy.
There are also concerns that state police could be used to intimidate opposition parties, interfere with elections, and harass critics.
As the reform moves forward, it remains unclear how state and federal police will settle disputes over jurisdiction.
Additionally, it is uncertain whether the creation of yet another security organ will make a tangible difference in Nigeria’s security landscape.
Despite the establishment of Nigeria’s Forest Guards service by President Tinubu, kidnappings have continued unabated across the country, with some 900 incidents recorded this year, according to conflict tracker ACLED.
The Nigerian Senate’s approval of the state police reform marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to law enforcement. While the reform is seen by some as a step towards improved security and accountability, it also raises questions about the potential for political misuse and the effectiveness of a decentralized police force.
As Nigeria moves closer to implementing this historic change, the nation’s security challenges will continue to be a test of its ability to adapt and overcome.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE24
