The Sokoto State House of Assembly has unanimously passed the State Police Bill, joining efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system amid persistent security challenges across the country.

The bill was passed during plenary on Tuesday under the leadership of the Speaker, Tukur Bala Bodinga.

Confirming the development, Bodinga told a correspondent that the lawmakers had approved the bill, adding that an official statement would be released shortly.

“Yes, we have passed the bill today. You will see the statement any moment from now,” the Speaker said.

The passage comes amid growing calls for changes to Nigeria’s security structure, particularly in the North-West, where banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes continue to threaten communities.

Supporters of state policing argue that allowing states to establish their own police forces would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community participation and enable faster responses to security threats.

They also maintain that state-based police commands would have a better understanding of local communities and terrain, making it easier to identify criminal networks and prevent attacks through cooperation with residents and community leaders.

However, the proposal has generated concerns over possible political interference, funding challenges, operational independence and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Advocates of the reform have consequently stressed the need for adequate funding, professional training, independent oversight and strong accountability mechanisms to ensure that state police officers operate within the law.

The Sokoto Assembly’s decision forms part of the wider constitutional process aimed at introducing state police in Nigeria.

The National Assembly had previously forwarded the proposed constitutional amendment framework to state legislatures for consideration as part of efforts to secure the changes required to establish state police.

If implemented, the reform would mark a significant shift from Nigeria’s centralised policing arrangement, with proponents hoping it would improve local security operations and strengthen responses to crimes across the federation.