The Plateau State House of Assembly has voted to support a constitutional amendment that would allow state police services to operate alongside the federal police.
Lawmakers adopted the recommendations of an ad-hoc committee at Monday’s plenary on October 19, presided over by Speaker Naanlong Daniel.
The vote is a step in the constitutional amendment process, not the immediate establishment of a Plateau police force. The proposal requires approval from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies before proceeding to the next stage.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was sent to state assemblies on September 16 by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
Committee chairman Theodore Maiyaki, who represents Qua’an-Pan South, said security challenges, police manpower shortages and the need for stronger local policing informed the recommendation.
He said the proposal would create a framework for federal and state police services with safeguards covering human rights, operational standards, accountability and coordination.
The Assembly also gave first reading to the Plateau State Right of Patients and Medical Institutions Bill and a bill on jungle justice, mob action and other unlawful violence against persons.
The House resolved to go on recess from October 19 to November 10. The two newly introduced bills are to undergo further consideration under its legislative rules.
Sources: Daily Trust, Channels Television
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