Tinubu Pushes State Police Reform with New Constitution Bill

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police, marking a significant step in the Federal Government's efforts to reform Nigeria's security architecture., the move is part of the Tinubu administration's broader strategy to strengthen internal security by decentralising policing and enabling states to respond more effectively to local security threats.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for state controlled police formations across the country. If passed, the amendment would empower state governments to establish and manage their own police forces while operating alongside existing federal security agencies.

Reaffirming his administration's commitment to improving national security during Democracy Day address, Tinubu warned that terrorists, bandits, and their sponsors would continue to face the full force of the law.

         

He disclosed that security operations had neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists over the past year, adding that terrorism-related fatalities have declined significantly compared to previous years.

Despite these gains, the President acknowledged that the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states remains a painful reminder that insecurity is still a major national challenge.

The President has consistently advocated constitutional reforms to address Nigeria's growing security concerns. In February, he urged the National Assembly to expedite the creation of state police as a critical response to persistent challenges including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

Momentum for state policing has continued to build in recent months, with both chambers of the National Assembly advancing constitutional amendment processes aimed at decentralising policing powers.

The Senate is expected to reconvene for an emergency plenary session to deliberate on the bill, widely regarded as one of the most consequential security reform proposals since Nigeria's return to democratic rule. If approved, the legislation would pave the way for the establishment of state police forces under a clearly defined constitutional framework.