House of Reps Pushes for State Police Amid Rising Insecurity

The House of Representatives has renewed its call for the establishment of state police in Nigeria as lawmakers intensify debates on solutions to the country’s worsening security situation.

Lawmakers say the current centralised policing system is overstretched and no longer effective in tackling rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.

They argue that a decentralised policing structure would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen rapid response to security threats, and enhance collaboration between communities and security agencies.

The proposal for state police has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s constitutional and security reform discussions, with many lawmakers insisting it would bring policing closer to the people.

However, critics have continued to raise concerns that state-controlled police outfits could be misused by political actors if not properly regulated.

The House also called for sustained engagement with security agencies, state governments, and other stakeholders to design a workable framework that ensures accountability, professionalism, and oversight in any future state policing system.

Lawmakers further urged the National Assembly to fast-track the necessary constitutional amendments required to support broader security reforms.

The renewed push reflects growing legislative pressure for urgent action to strengthen national security and protect lives and property across Nigeria.