The Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to hastening the constitutional process required to establish state police, as Nigeria continues to grapple with rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and other security threats.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this in an interview, stressing that lawmakers are determined to push through the necessary constitutional amendments to strengthen the country’s security framework.
According to Adaramodu, the upper chamber is ready to commence legislative procedures aimed at creating state police formations across the federation without delay.
He stated that the Senate would devote the required legislative attention and resources to the initiative to enhance public safety, curb criminal activities and tackle the growing menace of bandits and other violent offenders.
“The Senate is fully committed to initiating the constitutional processes for state police as soon as possible. We intend to provide all the legislative support needed to make it a reality, with the goal of safeguarding lives and property while confronting criminal elements across the country,” he said.
The renewed assurance comes amid increasing public concern over deteriorating security conditions and growing calls for a decentralised policing system following a wave of deadly attacks and abductions in various regions.
Earlier this week, the Senate revealed that preliminary constitutional procedures toward the creation of state police had already begun. Lawmakers pledged to back reforms designed to combat kidnapping, armed banditry and other forms of violent crime.
Adaramodu noted that the Senate’s resolve aligns with efforts to support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
He reiterated that lawmakers are eager to collaborate with the executive arm and Nigerians in pursuing reforms capable of improving security nationwide.
Momentum behind the state police proposal has intensified following the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State, an incident that reignited concerns about school safety and the effectiveness of current security arrangements.
The attack occurred on May 15 when armed assailants stormed three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting numerous pupils and educators and leaving affected families in distress.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation and renewed demands for far-reaching reforms within Nigeria’s security system.
Supporters of state policing argue that decentralising law enforcement would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing efforts and ensure quicker responses to emerging threats. They also maintain that state-controlled police outfits would complement federal security agencies in addressing criminal activities across the country.
However, the proposal can only become law through constitutional amendments requiring approval by the National Assembly and endorsement by at least two-thirds of the country’s state Houses of Assembly.
With the Senate reiterating its support for the initiative, discussions surrounding state police are expected to gain renewed traction as policymakers seek sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
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