President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of a nationwide security emergency and his call for constitutional amendments to enable states that desire State Police to establish them have once again thrust Nigeria into one of its most contentious constitutional and governance debates.
The President announced a number of measures, including the recruitment of 50,000 police officers, deployment of forest guards, support for state-backed security initiatives, and the withdrawal of police officers from unauthorized VIP protection duties. However, the most consequential aspect of his address was his endorsement of State Police.
The debate has now moved beyond abstract arguments. The National Assembly is considering the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, a far-reaching proposal that seeks to establish a dual policing structure consisting of a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
This represents perhaps the most comprehensive constitutional effort since the return to democratic rule to restructure policing in Nigeria.
The proposal deserves careful consideration. It also demands rigorous scrutiny.
