The Nigerian Senate has officially passed the landmark State Police Bill, taking a historic step toward decentralising the country’s law enforcement architecture. This groundbreaking legislation aims to address worsening insecurity by fundamentally restructuring how policing operates across the federation.
Here is a breakdown of the 10 most important things you need to know about this proposed constitutional amendment.
1. A New Dual Policing System
The bill replaces the monolithic Nigeria Police Force with a two-tier framework: a Federal Police Service and concurrent State Police Services. However, states do not automatically get a police force — they must first pass enabling legislation through their respective State Houses of Assembly and meet stringent national minimum standards.
2. Governors Will Appoint Police Commissioner
Under Clause 17 of the bill, state governors are empowered to appoint the Commissioner of Police for their state. This appointment must be based on recommendations from the National Police Council and requires confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
3. Governors Can Issue Public Safety Directives
Governors have the authority (Section 17(6)) to issue lawful, written directives to their Police Commissioners. These directives must be of a general policy nature focused strictly on maintaining public safety and order, and they cannot be targeted at specific individuals or groups.
4. Strict Anti-Abuse Safeguards
To prevent governors from weaponising the police against political opponents, Section 17(7) strictly prohibits arresting, detaining, or deploying force against any person, political party, or group merely for criticising the government. All police actions must comply strictly with the law.
5. Federal Intervention Powers Retained
The Federal Police Service retains the authority to temporarily intervene in a state’s internal security affairs during specific crises. This includes a breakdown of public order, partisan intimidation, serious human rights violations, or threats to national security. Such interventions require written presidential authorisation, Senate oversight, and are subject to judicial review.
6. Creation of State Police Service Commissions
Every participating state will establish a State Police Service Commission to oversee the recruitment, promotion, discipline, and general management of its police personnel. Additionally, the National Police Council will be reconstituted to coordinate policies and cooperation between federal and state forces.
7. Clear Division of Security Responsibilities
The Federal Police will maintain jurisdiction over national and cross-border threats, including counter-terrorism, cybercrime, arms trafficking, organised crime, and interstate offences. State Police forces will focus on enforcing state laws, preventing local crimes, and protecting lives and property within their specific borders.
8. Requires Approval from 24 States
This legislation alters the Constitution, the Senate’s passage is only the beginning. The House of Representatives must first concur. Following that, the bill will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly. At least 24 states (two-thirds) must approve the bill for it to advance.
9. Passed with Overwhelming Support via Manual Vote
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Senate passed the bill with 87 votes, easily surpassing the required 73-vote two-thirds majority. Due to a technical glitch with the electronic voting system, lawmakers adopted a manual voting process during the rigorous clause-by-clause review to ensure every vote was accurately recorded.
10. Existing Security Outfits Won’t Automatically Transform
Regional and local security groups like Amotekun, Ebube Agu, and Hisbah will not automatically convert into state police services. The bill explicitly prohibits them from exercising police powers or bearing firearms unless formally authorised by the Constitution and an Act of the National Assembly.
What Happens Next?
The bill has now been transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If it passes, the true test begins at the state level. If at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly ratify the amendment, it will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for his final assent, officially bringing state policing to Nigeria.
