The proposed establishment of state police has moved a step closer to reality, with the Federal Government confirming that discussions have now reached the constitutional amendment stage.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this after a high-level meeting involving the Presidency, National Assembly leadership, the Inspector-General of Police and other top government officials in Abuja.
According to Gbajabiamila, consultations on the creation of state police have been ongoing for months following President Tinubu’s directive, with significant progress already made.
“We have gained a lot of traction. Right now, what we are looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law would follow thereafter,” he said.
He explained that establishing state police requires careful legal and constitutional considerations, stressing that the process cannot be rushed.
The latest development comes amid growing calls for a decentralised policing system as insecurity continues to spread across several parts of the country.
Recent kidnappings, including the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, have intensified pressure on authorities to strengthen local security structures and improve intelligence gathering at the state level.
The National Assembly had earlier indicated its readiness to fast-track legislative processes needed to establish state police, while the Nigeria Police Force has already set up a committee to work on the framework.
If approved, state police is expected to enhance grassroots security, improve rapid response to threats and strengthen efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
