The Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to establish state police services for second reading, moving the proposal a step closer to becoming law.
The bill aims to create state police while maintaining a strong federal police structure, national standards, accountability mechanisms, and safeguards against abuse.
Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the proposed amendment would establish independent state police service commissions, improve community policing, strengthen intelligence gathering, and enhance responses to security threats.
Several lawmakers, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Aminu Tambuwal, and Mohammed Monguno, supported the bill, describing it as a key step toward tackling insecurity. They, however, stressed the need for safeguards to prevent political interference and protect citizens’ rights.
Following the debate, the Senate referred the bill to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative consideration.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amendment would help address the country’s growing security challenges and respond to calls for more effective policing solutions.
