Senate Begins Constitutional Process for State Police Establishment

The Senate has initiated the constitutional process for the creation of state police, vowing to provide the necessary legislative backing to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and curb rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes nationwide.

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

He stated that the Red Chamber is ready to fast-track legislative action on state policing as part of efforts to support President Bola Tinubu in addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.

Adaramodu said the Senate is fully prepared to commence the constitutional processes for the establishment of state police without delay, adding that the legislature is eager to support the President and the Nigerian public on this matter.

He further noted that the Senate would ensure the necessary legislative stamina is applied to the establishment of state police in order to keep Nigerians safe and secure, and to drive out 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. That attack, which occurred on May 15, saw armed men invade three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, abducting scores of children and teachers and leaving families traumatised. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage and renewed calls for security system reforms.

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.

Speaking during plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the incident as a tragedy that strikes at the heart of the nation’s future, stating that attacks on schools represent an assault on Nigeria’s collective humanity and underscore the urgent need for stronger security measures.

President Bola Tinubu, during an Eid-el-Fitr visit by National Assembly members, had asked the legislature to expedite action on the constitutional process for the creation of state police. The President also assured governors that state police had come to stay.