…The amendments also introduce sweeping consequential changes across the Constitution, replacing references to the Nigeria Police Force with distinctions between Federal Police and State Police
THUR JUNE 11 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s long-debated plan to establish state police forces moved closer to reality after lawmakers at the House of Representatives proposed far-reaching constitutional amendments that would fundamentally alter the country’s policing architecture, while seeking to limit federal influence over state-controlled security agencies.
Under the proposed changes, federal authorities would be barred from exercising routine operational control over state police personnel, including appointments, promotions, transfers, deployments and disciplinary matters, except in narrowly defined circumstances involving constitutionally authorized federal intervention.
The provisions are designed to address concerns among state governments that any new policing framework could become ineffective if Abuja retains significant command authority over officers operating at the subnational level.
The amendments also introduce sweeping consequential changes across the Constitution, replacing references to the Nigeria Police Force with distinctions between Federal Police and State Police, while revising legislative powers related to policing, forensics and law enforcement coordination.
Analysts say the reforms represent one of the most significant security-sector overhauls since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, potentially reshaping the balance of power between the federal government and the states as authorities grapple with rising insecurity, communal violence and organized crime across different regions of the country.
Details of Proposed Constitutional Amendments for the Establishment of State Police and Federal Police
1. Establishment of Federal Police and State Police (New Section 214)
-Two distinct police bodies are constitutionally established:
-(a) the Federal Police
-(b) State Police (one per State, established by State law)
The National Assembly must pass an Act prescribing:
-Structure, organisation, administration, and powers of the Federal Police
-Framework and guidelines for the establishment of State Police
-State Police cannot commence operational policing until:
-Established by a Law of the State House of Assembly, and
-Certified as meeting national minimum standards (prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly)
-Transitional provision: Until a State Police becomes operational, the Federal Police continues all policing functions in that State. After commencement, the Federal Police handles federal policing functions and may provide assistance to the State Police.
2. Responsibilities and Non-Interference (Section 214)
Federal Police is responsible for:
-Maintenance of public security, public order, and security of persons/property throughout the Federation (to the extent provided by the Constitution or National Assembly Act).
-Similar functions within a State to the extent the State has legislative power under the Constitution.
Key safeguard against federal overreach (Section 214(6)):
The Federal Police shall not interfere with State Police operations or a State’s internal security affairs except in these limited cases:
-To contain serious threats where there is a complete breakdown of law and order and the State Police is unable to respond.
-When the Governor requests intervention.
-When a State Police is unable to function due to administrative, financial, or other problems.
Any such intervention requires prior approval by the National Police Council.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Fully under the jurisdiction and operational control of the Federal Police.
-Leadership and Command (New Section 215)
-Federal Police: Headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
-Appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the Federal Police.
-Subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.
-The IGP has command over the entire Federal Police, including contingents in States.
-The President (or authorised Minister) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the IGP must comply.
-State Police: Headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP).
-Appointed by the Governor on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the State Police.
-Subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
-The Governor (or authorised Commissioner) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the CP must comply.
-If the CP believes a direction is unlawful or contradicts general policing standards, the matter can be referred to the National Police Council (whose decision is final).
-Removal of Top Officers (New Section 216)
-IGP: Removed only by the President on the recommendation of the National Police Council for specified grounds (grave misconduct, breach of Police Act/Regulations/Code of Conduct, conviction for fraud/dishonesty, bankruptcy, or mental incapacity). Requires two-thirds majority approval of the National Assembly.
-State Commissioner of Police: Removed only by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council for similar grounds. Requires two-thirds majority approval of the State House of Assembly.
5. Funding Support (New Section 216A)
The Federal Government shall provide grants or aids to State Police on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to approval by the National Assembly.
6. Oversight Bodies
National Police Council (restructured and renamed from the old Nigeria Police Council; new composition and expanded functions in Third Schedule):
-Broad membership including: Chairman (Presidential appointee confirmed by NA), Attorney-General of the Federation, serving senior Federal Police officer, Attorneys-General of all States, retired Commissioners of Police (one per geo-political zone), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, and Traditional Rulers’ Councils.
-Key functions: Appointment and discipline of Federal Police officers (except IGP); recommending State top officers (CP, DCP, ACP) to Governors based on State PSC lists; supervising Federal and State Police activities (within constitutional limits); setting standards for training, intelligence, forensics; assisting State Police on request.
State Police Service Commission (new body established for each State in Third Schedule, Part II):
-Composition: Chairman (appointed by Governor, confirmed by State HA), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, retired Assistant Commissioners of Police (one per senatorial district), and Traditional Rulers’ Council.
-Functions: Recommending three qualified candidates for CP/DCP/ACP to the National Police Council; appointment, discipline, and removal of State Police officers below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police; other functions as prescribed by Constitution or National Assembly Act.
7. Legislative Framework (Second Schedule – Concurrent Legislative List)
-National Assembly may make laws on: establishment/organisation/administration/powers/duties of Federal Police; powers/duties of State Police; national minimum standards for both; policing standards, inspection, certification, complaints mechanisms, criminal information systems, inter-governmental cooperation, federal intervention, use of force, firearms, grants, and accountability.
-State Houses of Assembly may make laws for the establishment, organisation, administration, funding, and oversight of their State Police — but must comply with the Constitution and valid National Assembly Acts.
-States may set higher standards than national minimums but not lower.
-National Assembly laws cannot give federal authorities routine command, deployment, appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, or control over State Police personnel (except for explicitly authorised federal intervention).
8. Other Related Changes
-Updates to various constitutional provisions (e.g., Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153) to replace references to “Nigeria Police Force” with appropriate “Police”, “Federal Police”, or “State Police” terminology.
-Exclusive Legislative List adjustments (e.g., light arms for policing purposes; fingerprints/biometrics/forensics shared with State Police; Federal Police listed separately).
-Consequential amendments to the Third Schedule for the new bodies and their compositions/powers.
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