State Police Bill a Timely Answer to Nigeria’s Security Crisis

Former member of the House of Representatives and immediate past Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has described the National Assembly’s passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police as a landmark step toward addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

The Nigerian-American Legal Practitioner said the proposed constitutional amendment presents a historic opportunity to strengthen the nation’s internal security architecture while deepening the principles of true federalism.

Speaking in a statement issued over the weekend, Oladele noted that although the bill is yet to complete the constitutional amendment process by securing approval from at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly and receiving presidential assent, its passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic and constitutional evolution.

According to him, the Country’s persistent security threats including terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, communal violence, farmer-herder clashes, and other violent crimes, have exposed the shortcomings of Nigeria’s highly centralised policing system, making constitutional reforms unavoidable.

“There can be no meaningful development without security. Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution clearly states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The growing insecurity across the country has demonstrated that the existing policing structure requires urgent constitutional review,” Oladele said.

The former Federal Lawmaker commended Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their resilience and sacrifices despite numerous operational constraints, stressing that the campaign for State Police should not be seen as a criticism of the institution.

Rather, he said, it is a necessary effort to modernise Nigeria’s security framework and make law enforcement more responsive to local realities.

Oladele argued that no single centrally controlled police force can effectively Police a Country as geographically vast and culturally diverse as Nigeria, adding that the proposed State Police system aligns with globally recognised Federal practices.

“The proposal should be viewed as a constitutional response to present-day security realities rather than a political concession. Federalism requires meaningful devolution of governmental responsibilities in ways that promote efficiency, accountability and responsiveness,” he stated.

He explained that the Constitution Alteration Bill proposes a dual policing structure comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services, while clarifying that states would not be compelled to establish their own police organisations.

According to him, any state intending to create a State Police Service must first enact an enabling law and comply with nationally prescribed standards covering recruitment, training, operations, discipline and accountability.

Addressing concerns that State Police could be abused by state governments, Oladele acknowledged such fears but insisted they should not obstruct a reform that has become increasingly necessary.

He noted that the bill contains several safeguards against abuse, including legislative oversight, nationally approved policing standards, and provisions allowing federal intervention in clearly defined exceptional circumstances.

“No constitutional arrangement is entirely immune from abuse. What is required is the strengthening of democratic institutions, judicial independence, legislative oversight and strict adherence to the rule of law,” he added.

Oladele also urged State Governments to carefully evaluate their financial capabilities before establishing police services, warning that effective policing demands sustained investment in personnel, training, equipment, intelligence gathering and modern technology.

He called on members of the various State Houses of Assembly to consider the constitutional amendment objectively when it is presented for ratification, urging them to prioritise national security and the long-term stability of Nigeria’s democracy over partisan political considerations.

The former Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, however, maintained that State Police alone would not end insecurity, emphasising that comprehensive judicial reforms, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced welfare for security personnel and stronger inter-agency collaboration remain essential components of a lasting solution.

Oladele expressed optimism that if properly implemented, the constitutional amendment would produce a more efficient, accountable and community-driven policing system capable of protecting lives and property across the Federation.