Nigeria’s Senate passes bill to allow state police creation
11 reported
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday approved a bill to allow states to have their own police forces, a constitutional change that would decentralize the country's police force currently controlled by the federal government. The proposed reform aims to address an escalating insecurity crisis, as analysts say a lack of police presence in rural areas has allowed militant groups to operate without challenge. Criminal groups and jihadis have killed tens of thousands of people, according to the United Nations. The change would permit each of the country's 36 states to create a police force meeting minimum national requirements, while the federal police retains control of counterterrorism, border patrol, and organized crime. The legislation enjoys bipartisan support and is championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Critics argue state police could be abused by governors to advance personal agendas and silence critics. Two-thirds of state assemblies must still approve the bill since it involves a constitutional change.
What’s reported
The Nigerian Senate voted in favor of a bill for the creation of state police on Wednesday.
The bill would decentralize the police force, currently controlled by the federal government.
State police forces would operate alongside the federal police.
The federal police would retain control of counterterrorism, border patrol, organized crime, and other national security issues.
Each of Nigeria's 36 states could create a police force meeting a minimum national requirement.
Analysts say a lack of police presence in rural areas has worsened security, allowing militant groups to operate unchallenged.
Criminal groups and jihadis have killed tens of thousands of people, according to the United Nations.
At least 80 school children are still in captivity after being abducted by militants in the southern and northern regions.
The legislation is championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and enjoys bipartisan support.
Critics say state police could be abused by state governors to advance personal agendas and silence critics.
Two-thirds of state assemblies must still approve the bill.
Key figures
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Ikemesit Effiong, partner at SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based risk advisory firm
Sources: abcnews.com
