State Police Bill Bold Step To Address Insecurity

The Parliament Support Network (PSN) has described the move to establish state police as a bold step towards addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

The group said the passage of the bill marked a historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to reform its security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property.

The House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly passed the State Police Bill, with 288 lawmakers voting in support and only four opposing it.

The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of state police alongside the existing federal police structure. It is part of broader constitutional amendment proposals being considered by the National Assembly.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued in Abuja, Executive Director of the Parliament Support Network, Dr Moses Onoja, said the House had demonstrated courage and patriotism by advancing a reform many Nigerians have long advocated.

He lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the 10th House for passing the constitutional amendment bill.

According to him, the decision reflects the commitment of the Speaker and members of the House to finding lasting solutions to the country’s growing insecurity.

“The passage of the State Police Bill is a landmark achievement that underscores the responsiveness of the 10th House of Representatives to the yearnings of Nigerians. It is a bold and visionary step towards strengthening security governance and improving public safety across the federation,” Onoja said.

He noted that Nigeria’s centralised policing system has faced increasing pressure in recent years due to the rise in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other violent crimes across different regions of the country.

Onoja argued that state police would improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats and provide law enforcement agencies with a better understanding of local communities and peculiar security challenges.