Senate passes State Police Bill, retains emergency powers with President

• States to appoint CPs
• Govs witness proceedings after initial resistance from senators
 
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Federal Government retained sweeping emergency intervention powers over state policing yesterday as the Senate passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, setting the country on the path towards one of its most far-reaching security reforms since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
If eventually endorsed by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly, the legislation will for the first time create a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services while preserving a strong Federal Poli...