The Senate has signalled its readiness to begin the constitutional procedures required for the creation of state police, as part of efforts to tackle growing insecurity across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this during an interview on Wednesday, saying the upper chamber was committed to backing measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
According to him, lawmakers are prepared to accelerate legislative action on the proposal in support of the Federal Government’s efforts to address persistent security threats, including banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“The Senate is fully prepared to commence the constitutional processes for the establishment of state police, without delay.
“The legislature is desirous to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian public on this,” Adaramodu said.
He further stated, “The Senate will ensure that necessary legislative stamina is accorded the establishment of state police, so as to keep Nigerians safe, secured and run out the rampaging bandits and other social marauders.”
The renewed commitment comes amid increasing public concern over insecurity, particularly after the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The attack occurred on May 15 when armed men reportedly stormed three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting several pupils and teachers and leaving families in distress.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation and renewed demands for comprehensive reforms within the nation’s security system.
Following the resumption of plenary after the Sallah break on Tuesday, senators condemned the attack and observed a minute of silence in honour of two teachers who lost their lives in connection with the incident.
Lawmakers described the school invasion as one of the most serious attacks on educational institutions in recent years, reviving memories of previous mass abductions of students in parts of northern Nigeria.
During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio characterised the incident as a national tragedy that threatens the country’s future.
He noted that attacks on schools represent an assault on the nation’s collective humanity and highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to protect communities and educational facilities.
Calls for state police have remained a recurring issue in national security discussions, with supporters arguing that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based security operations and enhance rapid response to emerging threats.
Advocates also maintain that state police structures would complement federal security agencies in confronting the challenges of kidnapping, banditry and violent crimes across the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier urged the National Assembly to fast-track the constitutional process for the establishment of state police during a meeting with members of the Senate and House of Representatives after Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The President has also assured state governors on separate occasions that the creation of state police remains a key component of ongoing security reforms and is expected to become a permanent feature of the country’s policing system.