Sokoto Assembly approves establishment of state police

The Sokoto State House of Assembly unanimously adopted the Sixth Alteration Bill, which would create a constitutional framework for state police services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the federal force. Lawmaker Mustapha Abdullahi said federal police would handle matters including terrorism, cybercrime and interstate crimes, while state police would maintain public order and investigate local crimes. State police commanders would be appointed by governors subject to confirmation by their state assemblies, and a separate commission would oversee personnel appointments, promotions and discipline. The constitutional amendment must also be approved by the assemblies of at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s states.