Nigerian states strengthen local security outfits and recruitment ahead of the proposed state police take-off.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, state governors across Nigeria are actively repositioning existing vigilance and community security outfits. This strategic move anticipates the proposed establishment of state police forces across the federation,, even as crucial constitutional amendments remain unfinished, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Investigative reports reveal that multiple states have stepped up the recruitment and training of security personnel. Governments are appointing commanders, approving operational vehicles, and reviewing existing security laws to build administrative frameworks that could support future state-controlled policing services.
These sweeping developments unfold against the backdrop of persistent insecurity and crucial electoral preparations. The presidential and National Assembly polls are scheduled for January 16, followed by governorship and State Assembly elections on February 6, raising important questions about funding, recruitment standards, and potential political interference.
Constitutional Amendment And Legislative Process For State Police
The proposed constitutional amendment for decentralised policing was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly by the National Assembly on September 16. However, as of October 15, only five states, namely Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Zamfara, had granted their formal approval to the legislative proposal.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, alterations require the backing of at least two-thirds of the state legislatures, representing 24 states. While state assemblies were asked to communicate their decisions within 30 days, several regional governments are already aggressively expanding their internal security infrastructure regardless.
National Policing Bill And Federal Coordination
At the federal level, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila disclosed that the proposed National Policing Bill is 90 percent ready for transmission. Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group, noted that the legislation will provide an operational framework for decentralised security once finalized.
Gbajabiamila acknowledged that governors still maintain minor observations regarding the draft legislation. Despite these lingering administrative concerns, federal officials expressed confidence that all outstanding issues will be successfully resolved before official transmission to the National Assembly.
State-Level Preparations Across Nigeria
States demonstrate varying levels of operational preparedness, with governments pursuing distinct transition strategies. In Kaduna, Commissioner for Internal Security Sule Shu’aibu stated that the Kaduna State Vigilance Service will serve as the primary take-off platform, with 300 personnel already trained under a revised legal framework.
Meanwhile, Plateau State constituted a 14-member committee headed by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Habila Joshak. The state is leveraging its Operation Rainbow outfit, which recently graduated 1,450 operatives, while Taraba State has appointed commanders across 16 local government areas for its Marshall security outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the state police constitutional amendment in Nigeria?
The constitutional amendment was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, but only five states, including Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Zamfara, had approved it by October 15.
When are the 2027 general elections scheduled to hold?
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while the governorship and State Assembly elections are fixed for February 6.
Who chairs the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill?
Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila chairs the Presidential Working Group, stating that the proposed legislation is 90 percent ready for transmission to the National Assembly.
How are states preparing for the state police take-off?
Governors are actively recruiting and training operatives, appointing commanders, approving operational vehicles, updating security laws, and strengthening community security outfits like the Kaduna State Vigilance Service.
