A former senator representing Ekiti North, Ayodele Arise, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the proposed State Police Bill, saying the initiative would significantly help tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Arise, who served in the Senate between 2007 and 2011, spoke shortly after both chambers of the National Assembly passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026.
The Senate on Wednesday joined the House of Representatives in approving the legislation, which seeks to establish a dual policing structure in Nigeria by creating state police services alongside a Federal Police Service.
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If endorsed by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, the bill will end the Federal Government’s exclusive control of policing and empower states to establish, fund, and manage their own police services in line with national standards set by the National Assembly.
Speaking with journalists, Arise described the development as a welcome step that could substantially reduce insecurity, particularly kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“Having state police is a much-needed solution to reduce the security threat that we are facing in the country,” he said.
“There is no way security challenges will be eliminated, but kudos to Mr President for being very proactive on this subject as we continue to face the challenges of insecurity in the country.
“The President has been at the forefront of ensuring that solutions are provided to meet these challenges and almost eliminate the activities of these bad elements, especially kidnappers operating in various communities.”
According to him, the proposed state police structure would enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response because local officers are more familiar with their environments.
“A local police force is usually made up of people from the communities they serve. They know the terrain, the people, and the nooks and crannies of those communities. It is a very welcome development and something that I believe will solve, to a large extent, the security challenges we have faced for several years,” he said.
On concerns that governors could abuse state police for political purposes, Arise acknowledged the fears but expressed confidence that constitutional safeguards would be put in place to prevent such excesses.
Checks on the proposed legislation indicate that the appointment of a state’s Commissioner of Police would be subject to recommendations from the National Police Council, while removal would require approval by the State House of Assembly.
Arise noted that similar concerns exist even under the current federal policing arrangement and urged Nigerians to insist on robust checks and balances.
“Many of the objections are legitimate concerns, but most successful federal systems around the world, such as the United States and Canada, operate multi-layered policing structures that have worked effectively for decades,” he said.
“The fears that governors may abuse the system exist, but it is our responsibility to ensure that constitutional safeguards are put in place to curb any excesses.”
He suggested that state police commissioners should not be appointed solely at the discretion of governors.
“We can have a State Police Commission that recommends two or three names to the governor, who then selects one. That choice should be ratified by the State House of Assembly.
“Also, there must be a clear process for removing a state Commissioner of Police. The governor should be required to return to the legislature and provide reasons for such removal. These measures will help guarantee accountability and prevent abuse,” he said.
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