Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has defended the proposed State Police Bill, assuring Nigerians that the legislation contains constitutional safeguards to prevent governors and other political officeholders from turning state police into private security outfits. He said the proposed reform seeks to strengthen community policing while preserving accountability, democratic oversight, and the rule of law.
Speaking at the National Security Roundtable during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Abbas acknowledged widespread concerns that state police could be abused for political purposes. However, he explained that the bill provides that state Commissioners of Police would be appointed on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the State House of Assembly, while their removal would require the support of two-thirds of lawmakers and be based on proven misconduct.
The Speaker also stated that the proposed constitutional amendment would empower the Federal Police Service to intervene if a state police service becomes compromised or acts unlawfully. According to him, such intervention would only occur under clearly defined constitutional conditions, be made in writing, remain time-bound, and be subject to legislative and judicial oversight. He stressed that the Federal Government would not have the power to dissolve a state police service or suspend elected state institutions.
Abbas argued that Nigeria’s growing security challenges—including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and attacks on schools—have exposed the limitations of a centrally controlled policing system. He said the proposed reform would allow states that meet constitutional requirements to establish their own police services, while the Federal Police Service would retain responsibility for terrorism, border security, federal offences, and policing the Federal Capital Territory.
While reaffirming his support for the legislation, Abbas said the National Assembly would continue to scrutinise issues relating to funding, operational standards, intelligence sharing, and the integration of community security structures before the bill is passed. He also advocated a phased implementation process, insisting that national minimum operational standards must be established before any state police service begins operations.
