Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has passed the State Police Bill 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to reform its security architecture. The legislation seeks to establish a dual policing system that allows each of Nigeria's 36 states to create and manage its own police service while retaining the Federal Police Service for national security responsibilities.
The bill was approved on June 24, 2026, following a clause-by-clause consideration by the Senate. Its passage comes after the House of Representatives earlier endorsed the legislation with an overwhelming 289–1 vote, signaling broad legislative support for one of the country's most far-reaching constitutional reforms.
Under the proposed law, the Federal Police Service will remain responsible for matters of national importance, including counter-terrorism, cybercrime, border security, protection of federal institutions, and other national security operations. Meanwhile, State Police Services will be empowered to enforce state laws, maintain public order, prevent and investigate local crimes, and safeguard lives and property within their respective jurisdictions.
A key feature of the bill grants state governors the authority to appoint Commissioners of Police for their states, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly. Governors may also issue lawful policy directives to state police commissioners. However, commissioners are empowered to challenge any directive they consider unlawful through the Nigeria Police Council, providing an additional layer of institutional oversight.
To prevent political interference and abuse of power, the legislation expressly prohibits state police from targeting individuals, political parties, or groups for criticizing the government. The bill also mandates adherence to due process and constitutional provisions in all policing activities.
In a bid to ensure professionalism and accountability nationwide, the National Assembly will establish minimum standards covering recruitment, training, promotions, discipline, vetting procedures, use of force, and operational accountability for all state police formations.
The bill further outlines strict conditions under which the Federal Government may intervene in state policing. Such intervention will only be permitted during exceptional circumstances, including the breakdown of public order, incapacity of a state police service, serious human rights violations, electoral intimidation, or threats to national security. Any federal intervention must receive written authorization from the President and remain subject to Senate oversight.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the reform is a necessary response to Nigeria's growing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and organized crime. They believe locally controlled police forces will possess a better understanding of their communities, languages, and terrain, enabling faster response times, improved intelligence gathering, and more effective community policing. The reform is also expected to strengthen Nigeria's federal system by granting states greater responsibility over internal security.
Despite widespread support, critics have raised concerns that state police could be exploited by political leaders to intimidate opponents or suppress dissent. They maintain that the success of the new policing structure will depend heavily on the effectiveness of its constitutional safeguards, oversight mechanisms, and accountability measures.
Before becoming law, the constitutional amendment must secure approval from at least 24 of Nigeria's 36 State Houses of Assembly. It will then require presidential assent from President Bola Tinubu.
If eventually enacted, the State Police Bill is expected to represent one of Nigeria's most significant security reforms since independence, with the potential to reshape law enforcement, improve local security operations, and strengthen community-based policing across the federation.
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