The Senate has defended the proposed State Police Bill, saying it contains constitutional safeguards that would allow federal authorities to intervene in cases of electoral intimidation, serious human rights violations and threats to national security.
The upper chamber also said the bill received broad bipartisan support, with 84 of the 109 senators voting in favor of the legislation during its clause-by-clause consideration.
The clarification comes amid concerns that state governors could use state police to intimidate political opponents, particularly during elections.
In a statement issued Sunday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the proposed constitutional amendment clearly defines the responsibilities of the federal and state police to prevent operational conflicts and improve security coordination.
According to him, the federal police would retain responsibility for protecting federal institutions, policing the Federal Capital Territory, counterterrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, border security, arms trafficking, interstate crimes and other matters affecting national security.
State police, he said, would be responsible for enforcing state laws, maintaining public order and protecting lives and property within their respective states.
Bamidele said the bill includes several safeguards to prevent abuse by state governors.
He explained that while governors would nominate commissioners of police, the appointments would require recommendations from the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the relevant state House of Assembly.
He added that the National Police Council would oversee policy, funding and appointments, while an independent State Police Service Commission would regulate state police operations without the control of governors.
According to Bamidele, federal intervention would only be permitted under exceptional circumstances, including a breakdown of public order, the inability of a state police service to function, serious violations of fundamental rights, partisan or electoral intimidation, and threats to national security.
He said the proposed State Police Service Commission would have the authority to regulate its operations independently without the approval or control of any governor.
Bamidele also rejected claims that the proposal was politically motivated, saying it resulted from consultations with the executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police.
He added that public hearings conducted across the country’s six geopolitical zones in July 2025 showed widespread support for the creation of state police.
“The state police bill was subjected to intense debates at the Senate and House of Representatives,” Bamidele said.
He noted that lawmakers across party lines supported the proposal, describing the outcome as evidence that the legislation was driven by national interest rather than partisan considerations.
According to the Senate leader, the proposed constitutional amendment is intended to strengthen security while promoting accountability and protecting democratic governance and citizens’ fundamental rights.
