Senate Approves Safeguards Against Governors’ Abuse of Proposed State Police

Abuja, Nigeria 🇳🇬 June 25, 2026

The Nigerian Senate has approved a set of constitutional safeguards designed to prevent state governors from abusing the proposed state police system for partisan, ethnic, religious, sectional, or personal interests.

The measures are contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to lawmakers, the safeguards are intended to ensure that state police operate professionally, independently, and in line with constitutional provisions, while protecting citizens from potential political interference and misuse of law enforcement powers.

The Senate noted that concerns had been raised by stakeholders over the possibility that state governors could deploy state-controlled police forces to intimidate political opponents, suppress dissent, or advance sectional interests. The newly approved provisions seek to address such fears through institutional checks and accountability mechanisms.

The bill outlines operational guidelines, oversight structures, and disciplinary procedures aimed at guaranteeing transparency and adherence to the rule of law. It also provides mechanisms for cooperation between state police formations and federal security agencies.

Supporters of the legislation argue that establishing state police will strengthen community-based policing, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance the capacity of states to tackle insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

The passage of the bill by the Senate marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s long-standing debate over decentralising policing powers. However, the proposal must still complete other constitutional amendment processes before becoming law.

Observers say the inclusion of safeguards against abuse could help build broader public confidence in the state police initiative as the country seeks more effective solutions to its security challenges.