The Nigeria Senate has passed a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to lead the way for the establishment of state police services across the federation.
Newsafricng.com can authoritatively report that the bill provides for the establishment of state police services across the federation.
The establishment of the state police is expected to facilitate better policing for Nigerian states to reduce incidences of insecurity across states.
The bill creates a constitutional basis for state policing, including the establishment of state police commissions, while retaining the federal police structure in every state until a state police service becomes operational.
Under the new arrangement, the Federal Police Service will be responsible for federal offences, security within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), national security matters, interstate crimes and organised criminal activities.
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State police services, on the other hand, will be charged with local law enforcement, maintenance of public order and protection of lives and property within their respective states.
The legislation also provides guidelines for the appointment, oversight, discipline and removal of both the Inspector-General of Police and state police commanders.
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It further empowers the Federal Government to intervene in state police operations under limited circumstances, including a breakdown of public order, operational incapacity or threats to national security.
