Senate Moves to Accelerate State Police Debate Amid Rising Security Concerns

Insecurity, bandit attacks and kidnappings continue to affect many parts of Nigeria. The Senate has said it will speed up work on the constitutional changes needed to create state police.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, was reported to have made this disclosure while speaking on the National Assembly’s plans to strengthen the country’s security system.

He said that the Senate was ready to begin the constitutional processes required to establish state police and would give the process urgent attention.

Lawmakers are determined to finalize the legal framework required for state policing as quickly as possible to improve security and address criminal activities across the country, he said.

The development comes as many Nigerians are sounding the alarm over the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks in different states.

There are also rising demands to decentralize policing powers, giving state governments a greater role in tackling security challenges across their territories.

“The lawmakers are ready to fast-track legislative action on the matter as part of their efforts to support the Federal Government in tackling the country’s security challenges,” Adaramodu said.

“The Senate is ready to immediately commence the constitutional processes for the creation of state police.

“We will ensure that the necessary legislative action is taken to establish state police to keep Nigerians safe and secure and drive out bandits and other criminals. The legislature is also ready to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to tackle the country’s security challenges.”