Nigeria Senate Approves Bill Allowing State Police Forces

The Nigerian Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that would allow each of the country's 36 states to create its own police force. The legislation would amend the constitution to decentralize policing while keeping federal control over counterterrorism, border patrol, and organized crime.

The federal police force has faced strain from rising insecurity across the country. Criminal groups and militants have killed tens of thousands of people, according to the United Nations. At least 80 schoolchildren remain in captivity after recent abductions in both southern and northern regions.

Background on the Reform State governors currently hold formal security responsibility for their states but lack operational command over police. The proposed state forces would operate alongside the federal police and must meet minimum national standards.

The bill has received bipartisan support and has been debated several times in the past. Under current arrangements, a lack of police presence in rural areas has allowed militant groups to operate with limited interference. The legislation is being advanced during a period when insecurity has extended into southern regions.

Two-thirds of state assemblies must still approve the constitutional change. Critics have raised concerns that state governors could use the new forces to pursue personal or political objectives. Ikemesit Effiong, a partner at SBM Intelligence, said recent mass kidnappings have increased calls for decentralized policing due to delays in the federal response.