Nigeria's Assembly Passes Bill to Establish State Police

A landmark bill to establish state police services in Nigeria has passed both chambers of the National Assembly, setting the stage for a fundamental restructuring of the country's security architecture. The Senate passed the Constitution Alteration Bill on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, concurring with the House of Representatives, which had approved it two weeks prior.

The proposed legislation, which still requires ratification by at least 24 state legislatures and a presidential assent, aims to decentralize policing to address Nigeria's persistent security challenges. It introduces a cooperative federal model where State Police Services would operate alongside a continuing Federal Police Service.

Under the framework, states are not compelled to establish their own police. Those that choose to do so must first pass enabling laws, establish required institutions, and obtain certification that they meet nationally defined minimum standards covering recruitment, training, accountability, and use of force. The Federal Police would retain responsibility for federal matters including counter-terrorism, cybercrime, border security, and organized crime.

Key provisions include renaming the...