Rising insecurity: Senate begins state police constitutional push

The Senate has commenced the constitutional process for the establishment of state police, pledging to provide the necessary legislative support to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and curb rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The PidomNigeria on Wednesday.

According to him, the Red Chamber was ready to expedite legislative action on state policing as part of efforts to support President Bola Tinubu in addressing the nation’s worsening security challenges.

“The Senate is fully prepared to commence the constitutional processes for the establishment of state police, without delay.

“The legislature is desirous to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian public on this,” Adaramodu said.

He added, “The Senate will ensure that necessary legislative stamina is accorded the establishment of state police, so as to keep Nigerians safe, secured and run out the rampaging bandits and other social marauders.”

The senator’s assurance comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, particularly following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

The attack, which occurred on May 15, saw armed men invade three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting scores of pupils and teachers and leaving families traumatised.

The incident has triggered nationwide outrage and renewed calls for reforms in the country’s security system.

On Tuesday, as lawmakers resumed plenary after the Sallah recess, the Senate condemned the attack and observed a one-minute silence in honour of two teachers killed in connection with the abduction.

The school attack has been described as one of the most significant incidents of its kind in recent years, reviving memories of the abductions of schoolchildren in northeastern Nigeria and raising fresh concerns about the safety of educational institutions.

Speaking during plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the incident as a tragedy that strikes at the heart of the nation’s future.

According to him, attacks on schools represent an assault on Nigeria’s collective humanity and underscore the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities.

The renewed push for state police has long featured in national conversations on security, with advocates arguing that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community-based security operations and enable faster responses to threats.

Supporters also contend that state-controlled police formations would complement the efforts of federal security agencies in tackling banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have persisted across several parts of the country.

President Bola Tinubu, during the Eid-el-Fitr visit by the Senate and House of Representatives members to him, asked the National Assembly to expedite action on the constitutional process for the creation of state police.

The President, at another engagement with the governors, also promised that state police had come to stay.