The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has assured Nigerians that the proposed State Police Bill contains strong constitutional safeguards to prevent governors from abusing state police for political purposes.
Speaking at the National Security Roundtable during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja Wednesday, Abbas said concerns that state police could become “the private army of a governor or a political godfather” were legitimate but had been addressed in the Executive Bill.
He said State Commissioners of Police would be appointed on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the State House of Assembly, while removal would require a two-thirds majority and valid reasons.
The Speaker added that the Constitution would permit the federal police to intervene if a state police service became compromised, but only under clearly defined conditions, for a limited period and with judicial oversight.
Abbas argued that Nigeria’s current centrally controlled policing system can no longer effectively tackle insecurity, saying local challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder clashes require local policing.
He explained that the bill would rename the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service and allow states to establish their own police services after meeting constitutional requirements.
According to him, the Federal Police would retain responsibility for terrorism, border security, federal crimes and the Federal Capital Territory, while state police would focus on law and order within their states.
The Speaker also called for complementary reforms, including a national criminal and biometric database, stronger intelligence sharing, better technology, improved border security and enhanced welfare for security personnel.
House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere advocated constitutional roles for traditional rulers and community organisations in security, while former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor (Retd) called for intelligence-led policing, institutional collaboration and responsible use of technology.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Etsu Nupe Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd), National Assembly Library Trust Fund Executive Secretary Henry Nwawuba, CoSPAL Secretary-General Dapo Oyewole and UK official Cynthia Rowe also urged stronger collaboration, evidence-based reforms and inclusive dialogue to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
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