Nigeria may soon witness the most significant transformation of its policing structure since independence following the emergence of far-reaching constitutional amendment proposals seeking to establish both Federal Police and State Police across the federation.
The proposed amendments, which introduce a dual policing system, aim to decentralise security operations while maintaining national oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
Under the proposal, a new Section 214 of the Constitution would formally establish two distinct policing institutions — the Federal Police and State Police.
While the Federal Police would continue to handle national security and federal policing responsibilities, each state would be empowered to establish its own police service through legislation passed by the State House of Assembly.
However, states would only commence full policing operations after meeting national minimum standards prescribed by the National Assembly and obtaining certification for operational readiness.
The proposal further provides that until a State Police becomes operational, the Federal Police would continue to discharge all policing functions within the affected state.
Federal Police Powers Defined
According to the amendment, the Federal Police would retain responsibility for maintaining public security, law and order, and the protection of lives and property throughout the federation.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would remain under the exclusive operational control of the Federal Police.
The Federal Police would be headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who would be appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council and confirmed by the National Assembly.
The President or an authorised minister would also retain the authority to issue lawful directives to the IGP on matters concerning public safety and national security.
Governors to Control State Police
Under the proposed framework, State Police formations would be headed by Commissioners of Police appointed by governors based on recommendations from the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by State Houses of Assembly.
Governors or authorised commissioners would have powers to issue lawful operational directives to their respective State Police Commissioners on issues relating to public order and security.
However, in a major safeguard against political misuse, any Commissioner of Police who believes a directive violates policing standards or is unlawful may refer the matter to the National Police Council for a final decision.
Safeguards Against Federal Interference
One of the major highlights of the amendment is the constitutional restriction placed on federal interference in state policing affairs.
The Federal Police would only intervene in state security operations under strictly limited conditions, including:
complete breakdown of law and order;
inability of State Police to contain serious threats;
administrative or financial collapse of State Police structures; or
upon formal request by the Governor.
Such intervention must also receive prior approval from the National Police Council.
Observers say the provision is intended to strike a balance between state autonomy and national security coordination.
Tough Removal Conditions for Police Chiefs
The amendment also introduces strict procedures for the removal of senior police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police may only be removed by the President upon recommendation of the National Police Council and approval by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly.
Similarly, State Commissioners of Police may only be removed by governors after recommendation by the National Police Council and approval by two-thirds of the State House of Assembly.
Grounds for removal include grave misconduct, violations of police regulations, fraud-related convictions, bankruptcy, or mental incapacity.
Federal Government to Support State Police Funding
To address concerns over funding challenges, the proposed amendment empowers the Federal Government to provide grants and financial assistance to State Police formations.
Such support would be based on recommendations from the National Police Council and subject to approval by the National Assembly.
Expanded National Police Council
The proposal also seeks to restructure and expand the National Police Council to include broader representation from key national institutions and civil society organisations.
Membership would include:
the Attorney-General of the Federation;
Attorneys-General of all states;
senior Federal Police officers;
retired Commissioners of Police;
representatives of the National Human Rights Commission;
Nigerian Bar Association;
Nigeria Labour Congress;
Nigerian Union of Journalists;
Public Complaints Commission; and
Traditional Rulers’ Councils.
The Council would oversee policing standards nationwide, coordinate intelligence and forensic systems, supervise appointments and discipline, and regulate federal intervention in state policing matters.
State Police Service Commissions Proposed
Each state would also establish a State Police Service Commission responsible for appointments, discipline, recruitment oversight, and recommendations for senior police appointments.
The commissions are expected to include representatives from professional bodies, civil society groups, and traditional institutions to strengthen transparency and accountability.
Major Constitutional Overhaul
The amendments would also trigger broad constitutional changes replacing references to the “Nigeria Police Force” with “Federal Police,” “State Police,” or simply “Police” where applicable.
The proposal further introduces provisions covering:
policing standards,
use of firearms,
biometric and forensic databases,
criminal information systems,
accountability mechanisms,
inter-governmental security cooperation.
Debate Intensifies
The proposed State Police structure has continued to generate intense national debate.
Supporters argue that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community security, reduce pressure on federal security agencies, and enable faster responses to insecurity.
Critics, however, warn that some governors could weaponise State Police against political opponents, while poorer states may struggle to adequately fund and manage security operations.
Despite the concerns, many analysts describe the proposal as one of the boldest attempts yet to reform Nigeria’s security architecture amid rising insecurity across the country. :::
