Major Security Reform: Sokoto Lawmakers Unanimously Back State Police Bill

According to Bush Radio Academy, the lawmakers approved the bill during plenary on Tuesday under the leadership of the Speaker, Tukur Bala Bodinga.

Bodinga confirmed the development, stating that the House had passed the proposed legislation and that an official statement would be released to provide further details.

“Yes, we have passed the bill today. You will see the statement any moment from now,” the Speaker said.

The decision comes amid renewed calls for reforms to Nigeria’s security structure, particularly in the North-West, where banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes continue to pose serious threats to lives and property.

Supporters of state policing argue that transferring some policing responsibilities to the state level could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community participation and enable security agencies to respond more swiftly to local threats.

They also maintain that state police formations would be better equipped to understand local terrain, identify criminal networks and collaborate with community leaders to prevent attacks and other security breaches.

However, the proposal has generated concerns over the possibility of political interference, inadequate funding, operational independence and potential violations of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Advocates of the reform have therefore emphasised the need for adequate funding, professional training, independent oversight and strong accountability mechanisms to ensure that state police officers operate within the law and do not become instruments of political victimisation.

The Sokoto Assembly’s decision forms part of the wider constitutional process aimed at establishing state police across Nigeria. The National Assembly had earlier forwarded the proposed framework to state legislatures for consideration as part of efforts to advance the constitutional amendments required to introduce the system.

The proposed reform is intended to address longstanding concerns about Nigeria’s centralised policing structure and improve the ability of security agencies to respond effectively to threats in different parts of the country.

Although the Sokoto Assembly’s approval represents progress at the state legislative level, the establishment of state police nationwide remains dependent on the completion of the necessary constitutional amendment process.