On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Senate of Nigeria has approved a constitutional bill allowing the creation of State-level Police forces, marking a significant restructuring of the country’s security architecture amid rising insecurity.
The proposed reform would decentralise policing from federal control, enabling all 36 states to establish their own police units, while the federal police retains responsibility for counterterrorism, border security, and organised crime.
The move comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating violence, including militant activity and mass kidnappings. According to the United Nations, tens of thousands have been killed in ongoing conflicts, with concerns heightened over limited security presence in rural areas.
Supporters, including government backers under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, argue the reform is necessary to improve rapid response to insecurity and address structural weaknesses in the current centralised policing model.
However, critics warn that state-controlled police could be vulnerable to political misuse by governors. The bill still requires approval from two-thirds of state assemblies before it can become law.