State police bill moves to second Senate reading.

The Constitution Amendment Bill on State Police received its second reading during a Senate plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved to suspend Senate rules so the executive bill—seeking constitutional backing for state police services—could be considered more swiftly.

Addressing the debate, Bamidele explained that the bill intends to create state police forces while preserving a robust federal police structure, national standards, accountability mechanisms, and safeguards against abuse.

He noted that the bill would establish independent state police service commissions, set national minimum policing standards, allow federal intervention in exceptional circumstances, and protect fundamental rights.

According to Bamidele, state police would enhance community policing, strengthen intelligence gathering, and improve responses to security threats.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe added that Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation demands innovative solutions, and that adequate safeguards are essential to prevent political interference and abuse.

Abaribe emphasized the need for constitutional guarantees of funding and oversight to keep state police institutions professional, accountable, and free from undue influence.

Former Sokoto Governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal supported the bill, describing state police as a critical step toward deeper federalism and a means to tackle persistent security challenges.

Tambuwal urged lawmakers to embed strong safeguards to prevent future abuse by state authorities and to protect citizens’ rights within the proposed framework.

Senator Mohammed Monguno also backed the bill, arguing that existing community security structures across the country demonstrate the need for a formal state policing system.

After broad support during the debate, the Senate passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Senate earlier suspended its rules to allow governors, attorneys‑general, the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials to observe the proceedings.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the presence of those officials highlighted the importance of the proposed constitutional amendment and demonstrated transparency in the legislative process.

Akpabio added that the amendment would address the country’s growing security challenges and respond to increasing calls for innovative and sustainable solutions.