Presidency says state police framework nearly ready for constitution

The presidency said on Thursday that work on establishing state police in Nigeria is nearly complete, with constitutional changes needed to make it happen expected soon. The announcement came after months of talks between the executive branch, the National Assembly, and security officials on how to set up the new force. State police has been a contentious issue in Nigeria for years, with supporters arguing that it would help tackle crime more effectively at the local level and give states control over their own security matters. Critics have raised concerns about potential abuse of power and whether states have the capacity to manage their own police forces properly. The presidency did not give specific dates for when the constitutional amendments would be introduced or when lawmakers might vote on them. It also did not release details about what the state police framework would actually look like, how officers would be trained, or how the force would be funded. The security situation across Nigeria has worsened significantly in recent years, with armed robbery, kidnapping, and insurgency affecting nearly every region. The Federal Government has struggled to contain these threats using only the Nigeria Police Force and military, leading to renewed calls from governors and security experts for state-level policing options. Several governors have already called for state police in public statements, saying their states need faster, more localized responses to crime. Some have even begun informal security arrangements with local vigilante groups in the absence of state police structures. The constitutional amendment process in Nigeria requires approval from the National Assembly and a majority of state legislatures. With 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory involved, getting agreement on state police could prove difficult, as some states worry about the costs and others fear political manipulation of local forces. The presidency's announcement suggests the government is serious about moving forward, but actual implementation remains uncertain and could take months or years even after amendments pass.