The creation of state police in Nigeria has moved a step closer to reality after 24 State Houses of Assembly approved the constitutional amendment bill.
The development was confirmed on Friday, October 24, 2026, by a presidential panel overseeing the constitutional review process, Premium Times reports.
The approval marks a significant milestone, as it meets the constitutional requirement of two-thirds of state assemblies needed to amend the constitution.
President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly advocated for state police as a lasting solution to the country's security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Governors across the country have also been vocal in support of state police, arguing that the current centralized policing system has failed to address local security needs.
Under the proposed amendment, state governments will be empowered to establish and fund their own police forces, which will operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force to tackle crimes at the grassroots level.
Supporters believe state police will enable faster response to security threats and better intelligence gathering within communities.
However, critics have raised concerns about possible abuse by state governors for political witch-hunting.
The next step will be final ratification and gazetting by the National Assembly before states can begin implementation.
Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the development, with many expressing optimism that it will improve security if properly implemented.
The Federal Government is expected to release the full list of the 24 states that approved the bill in the coming days.
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