Picture: The IGP Disu
From The Nijasun News Desk
Twenty-four states have reportedly approved the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police in Nigeria, while Lagos State and 11 other states are yet to complete the approval process.
The development comes amid mounting pressure on the country to overhaul its policing system in response to persistent security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal violence and other criminal activities.
Under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, a constitutional amendment requires approval by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, representing 24 states, before it can proceed through the constitutional alteration process.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a dual policing structure comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services, giving individual states the legal framework to establish and operate their own police formations.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen responses to crimes that have continued to threaten lives, property and economic activities across the country.
Supporters of state police argue that decentralisation would improve intelligence gathering, enable faster responses to security threats and allow police officers to develop a better understanding of local communities.
They also maintain that state governments, working with local security stakeholders, could be better positioned to identify emerging threats and tackle crimes within their jurisdictions.
However, the proposal has generated concerns about the possible misuse of state police by governors and other political authorities. Critics have called for strong constitutional safeguards to prevent political interference, protect human rights and ensure that state police operate professionally.
Other issues include sustainable funding, recruitment standards, training, operational independence and coordination between federal and state police authorities.
The constitutional amendment process is therefore expected to determine the legal framework under which state police would operate, including the mechanisms for oversight, discipline and accountability.
The debate over state police has remained a major national issue as Nigeria continues to confront insecurity in different parts of the country.
Tags: StatePolice #NigeriaSecurity #ConstitutionalAmendment
