By Jimmy Fatunbi
The Senate has pledged to accelerate efforts toward establishing state police as part of measures to address the growing wave of insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, assuring Nigerians that the upper chamber was committed to expediting the constitutional processes required to create state police.
According to him, the Senate is determined to give priority attention to constitutional amendments that would pave the way for state-controlled policing and strengthen the nation’s security framework.
He said, “The Senate is fully prepared to commence the constitutional processes for the establishment of state police without delay. We will ensure the necessary legislative support is provided to make state police a reality, with the goal of protecting Nigerians and tackling the menace of bandits and other criminal elements.”
The assurance comes against the backdrop of increasing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in several parts of the country and growing calls for a decentralised policing structure.
Earlier this week, the Senate revealed that the constitutional process for state police had already begun, reaffirming its readiness to back initiatives aimed at combating kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
Adaramodu noted that lawmakers were eager to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing the nation’s security challenges through legislative action.
The renewed push for state police has gained momentum following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The incident reignited national debate over school safety and the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
On May 15, armed men reportedly invaded three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting several pupils and teachers. The attack sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Supporters of state police argue that decentralising law enforcement would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing efforts, and enable quicker responses to security threats. They also maintain that state police formations would complement federal security agencies in tackling criminal activities across the country.
However, the proposal requires amendments to the Constitution, a process that must secure approval from the National Assembly and receive the endorsement of at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly.
With the Senate reaffirming its commitment to the initiative, discussions on state policing are expected to gather momentum as policymakers seek lasting solutions to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
