State Police Bill scales second reading at Senate

A bill to establish state police in Nigeria has passed its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, it seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to transfer policing powers to subnational governments. The bill responds to worsening security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings, and includes safeguards like federal oversight to prevent abuse. It has been referred to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Constitutional Review, chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.