Ayodele Arise, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress and former senator for Ekiti North, has praised the Senate for approving the State Police Amendment Act. He believes this legislation is a vital step toward managing the country’s persistent security issues.
The Senate recently aligned with the House of Representatives to pass the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026. Arise highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proactive stance in driving this change, noting that the initiative aims to empower state governments to handle local threats effectively.
Arise argued that federal police forces are often hampered by their lack of familiarity with local terrains. In contrast, local police officers reside within the communities they serve and possess intimate knowledge of the areas, making them better equipped to combat criminal activities like kidnapping. He added that the bill could significantly reduce the long-standing security crises plaguing the nation.
Addressing concerns regarding potential misuse of power by state governors, Arise expressed trust that the National Assembly will implement constitutional safeguards. He pointed to successful international models, such as those in the United States and Canada, where multi-layered policing systems have functioned effectively for generations.
If ratified by 24 State Houses of Assembly, the bill will decentralize policing responsibilities. States will gain the authority to recruit, fund, and manage their own security forces, operating under national standards while the federal government transitions to a Federal Police Service structure.
