State police: Seven northern assemblies approve constitutional amendment, others still deliberating

By: Tunji Okunlola

A constitutional amendment that would let states set up their own police forces is moving through the northern state assemblies. At least seven have approved it, while several others have yet to take a position.

The proposal is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026. It was passed by the National Assembly and sent to the state Houses of Assembly for adoption. Assemblies have a set timeline to respond, and Jigawa’s Speaker said the deadline is 30 days from receipt of the transmission letter, which he put at the end of this month.

States that have approved

Kebbi: The Assembly voted on Wednesday after the House Committee on Home Affairs and Internal Security, led by Muhammad Garba Bena, presented its report. Twenty members voted in favour, with four absent, clearing the two-thirds majority required. Speaker Salihu Maikasuwa Dangoje presided.

Plateau: Lawmakers adopted the committee’s report on Tuesday at a sitting presided over by Speaker Naanlong Daniel. Committee chairman Prof. Theodore Bala Maiyaki said the amendment was needed because of the security challenges facing the country and the shortage of personnel in the Nigeria Police Force.

Taraba: The Assembly unanimously approved the bill on Tuesday after Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu Zikengyu laid it before the House. Speaker John Kizito Bonzena said a state police system would improve response times, deepen intelligence-sharing with federal agencies and create jobs for young people.

Zamfara: The Assembly passed a resolution backing the amendment. Speaker Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki said state police would complement the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal, and expressed confidence that the state government would provide the necessary support.

Nasarawa: On Wednesday, Speaker Danladi Jatau read the bill’s 26 clauses and put each to a voice vote at the Lafia plenary. Members voted unanimously for every clause.

Yobe: Speaker Chiroma Buba Mashio confirmed on Thursday that the Assembly approved the amendment. He signed the resolution on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Benue: Majority Leader Peter Ipusu, who presented the executive bill, urged lawmakers to take it up quickly. The House passed it unanimously under Speaker Alfred Emberga, who directed the Clerk to send the resolution to the National Assembly. The amendment would set out a framework for state police services alongside the Federal Police Service, including their responsibilities, funding and operations.

States still considering the bill

Katsina: The bill has passed first reading, marking the start of the Assembly’s consideration.

Borno: The Assembly has received the bill and had it read at a plenary session, but has not yet debated or passed it. Clerk Shettima Garba said it needs time to study its positive or negative effects on citizens.

Jigawa: The Assembly has set up a committee to examine the bill. Speaker Haruna Dangyatim said the House would give it accelerated attention and finish before the deadline.

Kano: The bill has had its first reading, and copies have been given to members to study before the House takes it up again, according to Assembly spokesman Kamal Sani Shawai.

Adamawa: The Assembly has not yet debated the bill or taken a position. Information Committee chairman Musa Kalam said members would soon meet to act on it.

Bauchi: An ad hoc committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Jamilu Ummaru Dahiru was given two weeks to report back, and that deadline has passed without an outcome. The bill remains pending.