Nigeria’s Senate has passed a bill amending the 1999 Constitution to establish state police services, marking a major step toward decentralised policing across the federation.
Nigeria just took a big step toward decentralised policing. The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday seeking to establish state police services across the federation, Channels Television reports.
The legislation amends the 1999 Constitution, allowing states to set up their own police structures alongside existing federal agencies. Supporters say it’ll tackle insecurity more effectively at the grassroots, especially with rising banditry, kidnapping and terrorism nationwide.
Advocates believe local policing means better intelligence gathering and faster response times. But critics warn it could open the door to political misuse by state governors.
The bill now moves forward in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional reform process.
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