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Constitution Amendment Bill Proposes State Police, Redefines Nigeria’s Security Structure

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Constitution Amendment Bill Proposes State Police, Redefines Nigeria’s Security Structure



A proposed amendment to Nigeria’s Constitution may significantly reshape the nation’s policing system by creating a dual policing structure that allows states to establish and operate their own police forces alongside the Federal Police.

The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, currently before the National Assembly, seeks to remove the long-standing constitutional restriction that prohibits the establishment of police forces other than the Nigeria Police Force.

For decades, Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution provided that there shall be only one police force for the federation, effectively preventing the creation of state-controlled policing institutions. The proposed amendment seeks to replace that provision with a framework establishing both Federal Police and State Police as constitutionally recognised law enforcement agencies.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police would continue to operate nationwide, focusing on matters within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, while State Police would be responsible for maintaining law and order on issues falling within state authority.

The bill also provides that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will remain exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Federal Police.

To prevent abuse and ensure professionalism, the legislation stipulates that a State Police force cannot commence operations until the State House of Assembly passes an enabling law and the force receives certification confirming compliance with national minimum policing standards to be prescribed by the National Assembly.

Pending such certification, the Federal Police will continue to perform policing duties within the affected state to avoid any security vacuum.

The proposal further introduces a non-interference principle, preventing the Federal Police from intervening in the internal security operations of a state once its police force becomes operational. However, exceptions may apply where there is a breakdown of law and order, upon request by a governor, or when a State Police force becomes unable to function due to administrative or financial challenges.

The bill also outlines separate command structures for both agencies. The Federal Police would remain under the leadership of an Inspector-General of Police appointed by the President, while State Police forces would be headed by Commissioners of Police appointed by state governors and confirmed by their respective State Houses of Assembly.

In addition, the amendment grants the National Assembly authority to legislate on national policing standards, certification procedures, accountability mechanisms, inter-governmental cooperation, use of force regulations, criminal information systems, and other matters relating to policing across the federation.

However, the bill expressly prohibits federal authorities from exercising routine operational control over State Police personnel, including appointments, promotions, transfers, suspensions, and disciplinary actions.

Supporters of the proposal argue that state policing will enhance community-based security, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen responses to local security challenges. Critics, however, have raised concerns about possible political interference, funding constraints, and the potential misuse of state-controlled security agencies.

If passed, the amendment would represent one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s federal structure since the return to democratic governance in 1999.

Poet of Afrique Reporter

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