Abuja, Nigeria — August 14, 2026
Nigeria is moving closer to establishing state police following major legislative steps backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in what could become one of the country’s biggest changes to its security architecture in decades.
President Tinubu has argued that decentralising policing would strengthen grassroots security, improve intelligence gathering and enable quicker responses to local security threats. The Presidency says consultations on the framework have been ongoing for months.
The proposed system would operate alongside the Federal Police Service, with state police handling local law enforcement while the federal structure retains responsibilities for national security, terrorism, cybercrime and interstate offences.
Why State Police?
Supporters say Nigeria’s size and security challenges make it difficult for a single centralised police structure to effectively respond to crimes across all communities.
They argue that state-controlled police services could bring law enforcement closer to residents, improve knowledge of local communities and allow security agencies to respond faster to emergencies.
Concerns Over Governors’ Powers
Despite the potential benefits, concerns remain over the possibility of governors using state police for political purposes.
One of the most debated provisions gives governors a role in appointing state Commissioners of Police, although the proposed process involves recommendations from the National Police Council and confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
Critics fear that without strong safeguards, state police could be used to intimidate political opponents, particularly during elections. Legal experts and civil society voices have therefore called for effective independent oversight and constitutional protections.
Safeguards Proposed
Lawmakers have attempted to address some of these concerns by introducing restrictions on how state police can be used.
The proposed framework provides that governors may issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature on public safety and public order, while police officers would remain subject to constitutional and legal limitations. It also contains protections against using state police simply to punish people for criticising a government.
The National Assembly has advanced the constitutional amendment, while the next stage requires the necessary constitutional approval process involving the states before the reform can fully become law.
A Major Test for Nigeria
The state police debate is ultimately about more than creating new police formations. It is about finding the right balance between local control, effective security, human rights and protection against political interference.
If properly implemented, state police could improve Nigeria’s response to insecurity. But analysts and critics say strong oversight, professional recruitment, adequate funding and clear limits on political control will be essential to prevent the system from becoming an instrument of abuse.
Nigeria now faces the challenge of ensuring that a reform designed to bring security closer to the people does not simply bring political power closer to the police.
Comments