The debate over policing structure in Nigeria has taken a major leap forward. The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially endorsed the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state policing.

This development follows the National Assembly's transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to all 36 state Houses of Assembly for review and concurrence.

Key Highlights of the State Police Bill

  • The Legislative Path: For the bill to become law, it requires approval from at least 24 out of the 36 state assemblies before it is finally sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Rivers State has now added its name to the tally.

  • Dual Policing Structure: If successfully enacted, the bill will introduce a decentralized framework allowing individual states to create and maintain their own police services.

  • Federal Responsibilities: The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will not be dissolved; instead, it will retain jurisdiction over national security priorities, including terrorism, border control, cybercrime, and arms trafficking.

  • Safeguards Against Abuse: The proposed framework includes explicit clauses and safeguards designed to prevent state authorities from weaponizing local police services against political opponents or critics of the government.

Why It Matters

For years, security stakeholders, state governors, and civil society groups have advocated for state police as a necessary tool to tackle localized crime, kidnapping, and banditry more effectively than a heavily centralized federal force. With state assemblies currently reviewing the Sixth Alteration Bill, the push for community-tailored security is closer to reality than ever before.

Do you think state police will effectively tackle insecurity at the grassroots level, or do you have concerns about potential misuse by local authorities? Let's discuss in the comments below!