State Police Bill passes second reading in Senate

A bill to establish state police and devolve policing powers to sub-national governments passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution for further legislative scrutiny. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele argued the reform would improve local intelligence gathering and address security challenges such as terrorism and mass abductions. Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno supported the bill, saying it would provide a legal framework for vigilante groups. Earlier on Thursday, the House of Representatives also approved the State Police Bill.