Nigeria Moves Toward Decentralizing Police Force Through Constitutional Amendment

The Nigerian National Assembly has officially transmitted a constitutional amendment to the country's 36 state Houses of Assembly that would authorize the creation of state-level police forces. Known as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, the measure requires approval from at least two-thirds of the state legislatures to become law. This bill is the first of several proposed constitutional amendments to be sent to the states for consideration.

National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana stated that the move addresses public concerns regarding the effectiveness of the current centralized security apparatus. For years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges with terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence. Critics of the existing system argue that the federal police force has often failed to respond quickly enough to protect vulnerable communities, including those in northern and central regions where churches and homes have been targeted. By decentralizing policing, proponents hope to provide state governors with greater authority to manage security operations and improve response times for local populations.