In a significant move aimed at tackling the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has passed the second reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to introduce state police.
Sponsored by 13 members of the House, the bill garnered widespread support from lawmakers who prioritized addressing the pressing security challenges over concerns of potential political misuse by state governors.
The initiative comes on the heels of a high-level meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all 36 state governors, where the urgent need for state police as a solution to rampant kidnapping and banditry was underscored.
Despite being a contentious issue dating back to the Seventh National Assembly, the advancement of the state police bill marks a significant milestone in addressing the country’s security crisis.
Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reiterated their endorsement of state policing, warning of the country’s slide into a situation akin to Venezuela if urgent measures are not taken.
Various regional socio-political groups such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum have consistently advocated for state police as a practical solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Already, states in the South-West have established the Amotekun, while those in the South-East have launched Ebube Agu as state-owned security outfits. Similarly, Benue State in the North Central region has the Benue Guards, and other states prone to banditry have introduced similar initiatives.
However, the effectiveness of these regional security outfits has been hampered by the lack of support from the Federal Government or the Presidency.
States are now pushing for authorization for groups like Amotekun and Ebube Agu to be armed with assault rifles like AK-47s to effectively combat armed attackers. This move underscores the growing urgency for decisive action to restore security and stability across the nation.
