Ten state Houses of Assembly have approved constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police services in Nigeria, marking a significant step towards decentralising the country’s policing system.
The states are Ogun, Delta, Plateau, Kwara, Adamawa, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara. The latest approvals from Ogun, Delta, Plateau, Kwara and Adamawa followed earlier endorsements by Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara.
The development comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country. Supporters believe state police would improve intelligence gathering and enable faster responses to security threats at the grassroots.
However, the constitutional amendment process is not yet complete. At least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly must approve the proposed constitutional changes before they can proceed to the next stage.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has submitted the draft National Policing Bill, 2026, alongside 29 related amendment bills, to the Ministry of Justice for legislative drafting review and validation.
The proposed reform seeks to establish state police services alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force, although concerns remain over possible political interference and the need for effective oversight.