The Senate has commenced steps toward the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address the worsening security situation in Nigeria. The move comes amid increasing concerns over attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed that the upper chamber was ready to begin the constitutional process required for the creation of state police. He said lawmakers were prepared to support efforts aimed at improving security and protecting citizens across the country.
According to him, the Senate intends to give the proposal the necessary legislative attention to ensure that measures aimed at improving security are put in place without unnecessary delays. He noted that lawmakers were committed to supporting initiatives that would help curb criminal activities and strengthen public safety.
The renewed push for state police follows fresh concerns over insecurity, particularly the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The incident occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, taking away several pupils and teachers.
The attack generated reactions across the country and reignited calls for reforms in Nigeria’s security structure. Many stakeholders have argued that decentralising policing could improve intelligence gathering and allow quicker responses to security threats at the local level.
When lawmakers resumed plenary after the Sallah break, the Senate condemned the school abduction and observed a minute of silence in honour of two teachers who lost their lives in connection with the incident.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described attacks on schools as a threat to the nation’s future and called for stronger measures to protect educational institutions and vulnerable communities.
Supporters of state police believe that allowing states to operate their own police formations would complement the work of federal security agencies. They argue that officers recruited and deployed within their states would have better knowledge of local communities and security challenges.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed support for the establishment of state police. During separate engagements with lawmakers and state governors, the President urged the National Assembly to speed up the constitutional process needed to make state policing a reality.
The latest move by the Senate signals a fresh effort to revisit a proposal that has remained part of national discussions for years as Nigeria continues to seek lasting solutions to its security challenges.