On July 19, 2026, The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, has reassured the public that robust constitutional safeguards have been embedded into the proposed State Police Bill to prevent political abuse and misuse by state governors.
The Senate recently passed the Executive Bill, transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following extensive national consultations, public hearings across the six geopolitical zones, and engagement with security experts. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to modernize Nigeria’s security framework by establishing a tiered structure where state police operate alongside the federal police.
Addressing widespread public concerns regarding the potential weaponization of state police for political persecution, Senator Barau emphasized that state governors will not exercise unchecked control over their respective police commands.
“The President deserves commendation for this bill, which addresses the need for local policing while providing strong constitutional safeguards against abuse,” stated Senator Barau. “First, appointments to the leadership of a State Police Service will not be at the sole discretion of the governor. The State Police Service Commission will make appointments based on recommendations from the National Police Council.”
Key safeguards and structural provisions in the bill include:
Checks and Balances on Leadership: Police leadership appointments will be vetted through the National Police Council comprising the President, the 36 state governors, the Inspector-General of Police, and seasoned professionals guaranteeing strict merit and professionalism.
National Operational Standards: To prevent the structural flaws seen in State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), an Act of the National Assembly will establish a “national minimum operational standard” that all state police forces must strictly maintain.
Federal Intervention Mechanism: Should any state police service threaten national security, violate the Constitution, or compromise national sovereignty, the Federal Government retains the authority to intervene and temporarily suspend state police operations, placing policing under the Federal Police Service.
Clear Operational Jurisdiction: Federal police will maintain jurisdiction over national security, interstate offenses, cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime. State police forces will focus on local crime prevention, enforcing state laws, and protecting local communities.
Highlighting the necessity of the reform, Barau noted that effective law enforcement relies heavily on local intelligence and terrain familiarity.
“Personnel who know the terrain, speak the language, and are familiar with the residents are naturally better positioned to detect and combat criminal activity,” Barau added. “This local knowledge, paired with federal resources, will yield significantly better security outcomes across the federation.”
Following its passage in the Senate and final concurrence by the House of Representatives, the proposed constitutional amendment will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly. The measure requires approval from at least 24 state legislatures before being presented for presidential assent.
Once ratified, the National Assembly will enact comprehensive implementing legislation detailing operational command structures, inter-agency intelligence-sharing protocols, and sustainable funding models.
