All 22 lawmakers present vote in favour of constitutional amendment aimed at tackling insecurity
CALABAR, Nigeria — The push for state police in Nigeria has gained fresh momentum after the Cross River State House of Assembly approved a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services across the country.
The bill, known as the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was passed during plenary on Tuesday, 20 October, with all 22 lawmakers present voting in favour and none opposing it. Three members of the 25-member Assembly were absent.
The development marks another step in efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system amid persistent security challenges and growing calls for a more responsive approach to crime prevention and public safety.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a constitutional framework for state police, allowing security operations to respond more effectively to the specific needs of local communities.
Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the decision reflected the commitment of the 10th Assembly to constitutional reforms aimed at addressing security concerns and protecting lives and property.
He, however, stressed that the implementation of state policing must be guided by the rule of law, accountability and democratic principles.
During deliberations, the Leader of the House and member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Francis Asuquo, argued that bringing policing closer to the people would improve security responses and help tackle challenges peculiar to grassroots communities.
Similarly, Brian Odey, who represents Yala I State Constituency, emphasised the need for effective coordination between state and federal security agencies to ensure that the proposed system complements existing security structures.
The Deputy Leader of the House and member representing Abi State Constituency, Davies Eta, called for adequate safeguards to prevent abuses, insisting that state police officers must uphold professionalism, respect citizens’ fundamental rights and operate within the confines of the law.
The bill contains 26 clauses and proposes 25 alterations to provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including amendments relating to the proposed establishment and operation of State Police Services.
Supporters of the reform argue that decentralised policing could strengthen intelligence gathering, improve responses to security threats and enhance the protection of lives and property.
However, the proposal remains subject to the constitutional amendment process and the applicable requirements for approval by state legislatures.
Cross River’s decision adds to the growing momentum behind the proposed reform, which could significantly reshape Nigeria’s security architecture if the constitutional requirements are met.
The debate over state police has remained central to discussions on how best to tackle insecurity, with questions surrounding accountability, funding, political interference and the protection of citizens’ rights continuing to shape the national conversation.
