State Police Constitutional Framework Nears Completion, Says Presidency

The Presidency on Thursday announced significant progress towards establishing state police, with constitutional amendments required for its implementation expected soon.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this after a consultative meeting on state police at the State House, Abuja — attended by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, and Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi.

“Establishing state police is not something that you do with the snap of the fingers. There is a lot involved in terms of constitution and legalities,” Gbajabiamila said, adding that the amendment would come “shortly” followed by enabling legislation.

What’s Being Proposed

The push for state police gained momentum amid persistent security challenges including banditry, insurgency and kidnapping. Some states have already established complementary security networks — such as Amotekun in the South-West — though these operate within legal grey areas without full constitutional backing.

President Bola Tinubu, who has repeatedly advocated state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, will receive a comprehensive report on the outcome of the meeting.

“Right now, what we are looking at is the constitutional amendment itself, and then the enabling law would follow thereafter. That is what we have been deliberating on in the last couple of hours.”

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust, The Nation