By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Houses of Assembly in Ekiti, Anambra, Benue and Imo states have passed a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police in Nigeria.
The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a legal framework for states to establish their own police services.
In Ekiti State, all 21 lawmakers present at plenary in Ado Ekiti supported the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.
Following its passage, the Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the bill to the National Assembly alongside the observations of the state legislature.
In Benue State, the House of Assembly passed the bill during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Alfred Emberga.
The House Majority Leader, Peter Ipusu, said state police would strengthen intelligence gathering at the grassroots and improve responses to security emergencies.
He added that the arrangement could help address banditry, farmer-herder conflicts and urban crime.
In Imo State, lawmakers approved the proposed constitutional amendment following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi, representing Owerri West.
Onyemaechi said the National Assembly had transmitted the bill to the state legislature for consideration and approval.
In Anambra State, the House of Assembly passed the bill through its first, second and third readings during plenary in Awka.
The session was presided over by the Speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, and the bill was adopted through a voice vote.
The proposed amendment, which originated from the Presidency, seeks to establish a legal framework for state police, subject to national legislation prescribing minimum policing standards.
Under the proposed framework, the Nigeria Police Force would remain the default policing institution in a state until its state police service was lawfully established and certified operational.
The proposal also provides for civilian oversight, human rights protection, independent police service commissions, intergovernmental cooperation, criminal information systems and firearms control.
According to the report, 13 states had passed the State Police Bill, while it was awaiting action by 24 other state Houses of Assembly.
