The Plateau State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of State Police in Nigeria, following the adoption of recommendations supporting the constitutional amendment bill seeking to decentralise policing across the country.
The endorsement was reached during Monday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, as lawmakers considered measures aimed at strengthening security and improving responses to threats at the community level.
The proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, for consideration and approval.
The bill seeks to establish State Police Services alongside the Federal Police Service through constitutional amendments, a move expected to provide a legal framework for decentralised policing and address persistent security challenges across the country.
Presenting the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the proposed amendment, its chairman, Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, who represents Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, said the initiative was necessary in view of prevailing security concerns and the need to strengthen policing at the grassroots.
Maiyaki identified manpower shortages in the Nigeria Police Force and the need for more effective local policing arrangements as some of the factors underscoring the importance of the proposed constitutional amendment.
He explained that the proposal would establish a constitutional framework for the operation of Federal and State Police Services, with appropriate provisions for human rights protection, operational standards, accountability and coordination between the different levels of policing.
The committee further observed that the establishment of State Police could improve responses to security threats within communities, particularly in areas where local knowledge and timely intervention are essential to preventing and managing crises.
It also stressed that security remains fundamental to socioeconomic development, noting that strengthening policing structures would be important to protecting lives and property while creating a more conducive environment for economic activities in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria.
Following deliberations on the committee’s report, the lawmakers adopted its recommendations and voted in support of the proposed constitutional alteration.
The adoption represents the Plateau Assembly’s position on the proposed amendment, which must receive the approval of at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before the constitutional alteration can proceed to the next stage.
The proposed establishment of State Police has continued to feature in national discussions on security sector reforms, particularly amid concerns over the capacity of the existing centralised policing structure to respond effectively to security threats across the country.
However, the implementation of the proposed system will depend on the completion of the constitutional amendment process and the establishment of appropriate safeguards to ensure accountability and prevent possible abuse of police powers.
The Speaker commended the ad-hoc committee for its work and expressed appreciation to members for their patience, commitment and sacrifices in considering the proposed amendment.
In a related development, the House passed two bills through first reading during the plenary session.
The bills are the Plateau State Right of Patients and Medical Institutions Bill and the Plateau State Bill on Jungle Justice, Mob Action and Other Forms of Unlawful Violence Against Persons.
The proposed legislations will proceed through the appropriate legislative stages in accordance with the rules and procedures of the House.
Meanwhile, the Assembly resolved to proceed on recess from Monday, October 19, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to enable members to rest and prepare for subsequent legislative engagements.
The Speaker appreciated members, supporting staff and other personnel of the Assembly for their dedication, patience and contributions to the service of Plateau State.
He noted that the House had continued its legislative responsibilities beyond the period initially scheduled for recess to attend to important matters requiring its attention.
