Tinubu sends constitutional amendment bill to Reps for creation of State police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow the establishment of state police services across Nigeria.

In a letter to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, the President transmitted the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026 for legislative consideration.

Tinubu said the proposed amendment would provide the constitutional framework for state police and includes safeguards to ensure its effective implementation.

He described the bill as a key part of his administration’s plan to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property.

The proposal comes amid increasing calls from governors and security experts for state police to address banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges.

If approved by the National Assembly and the required number of state Houses of Assembly, states will be empowered to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.