From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
The Plateau State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of State Police in Nigeria, backing constitutional amendments aimed at decentralising policing and strengthening security at the grassroots.
The endorsement followed the adoption of recommendations by the House Ad-hoc Committee on the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, during Monday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel.
The bill, transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, seeks to establish State Police Services alongside the Federal Police Service through constitutional amendments.
Presenting the committee’s report, its chairman, Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, who represents Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, said the proposed reform had become necessary in view of prevailing security challenges and the need to strengthen policing at the community level.
Maiyaki identified manpower shortages in the Nigeria Police Force and the need for more effective local policing arrangements as key reasons for supporting the proposed amendment.
He explained that the proposed framework would provide for the operation of federal and state police services, with provisions for human rights protection, operational standards, accountability and coordination between the different levels of policing.
The committee noted that State Police could enhance responses to security threats, particularly in communities where local knowledge and timely intervention are crucial to preventing and managing crises.
It added that improved policing structures would help protect lives and property, strengthen public safety and create a more conducive environment for socioeconomic development.
Following deliberations, the lawmakers adopted the committee’s recommendations and voted in support of the proposed constitutional alteration.
The Plateau Assembly’s endorsement forms part of the constitutional amendment process, which requires approval from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before the proposed alteration can proceed.
The proposed establishment of State Police remains a major issue in national security discussions, particularly amid concerns about the capacity of the centralised policing system to address the country’s diverse security challenges.
However, the implementation of the proposed system will depend on the successful completion of the constitutional amendment process and the establishment of safeguards to ensure accountability and prevent the abuse of police powers.
The Speaker commended the ad-hoc committee for its work and thanked members for their patience, commitment and sacrifices in considering the proposed amendment.
Assembly Passes Two Bills for First Reading
In a related development, the House passed two bills through first reading during the plenary session.
They 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 to subsequent stages of consideration in line with the rules and procedures of the House.
Lawmakers Begin Recess November 10
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 expressed appreciation to lawmakers, supporting staff and other personnel of the Assembly for their dedication and contributions to the development 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.