1. Nigeria will have two separate Police services
The proposal abolishes the current single-police structure and creates:
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Federal Police
State Police (one for each State)
Both will exist simultaneously and operate under constitutional authority.
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The Federal Police will continue to operate nationwide, while States that choose to establish their own police services can do so through State legislation.
2. State Police is not automatic
A State Police Service will not come into existence automatically when the amendment takes effect.
A State must:
Pass a law through its House of Assembly establishing the State Police.
Meet national minimum standards prescribed by the National Assembly.
Obtain certification that those standards have been met.
Until then, the Federal Police will continue to perform all policing duties within that State.
3. Federal Police and State Police will have different roles
Federal Police
The Federal Police will handle:
National security matters.
Federal offences.
Inter-state and transnational crimes.
Protection of federal institutions.
Other responsibilities assigned by the Constitution or federal law.
State Police
State Police will focus primarily on:
Internal security within the State.
Community policing.
Enforcement of State laws.
Maintenance of public order at the State level.
The goal is to allow States to address local security challenges more effectively while maintaining a national policing institution.
4. Federal Police cannot freely take over state security
One of the most significant safeguards in the proposal is the restriction on federal interference.
The Federal Police may only intervene in State policing when:
There is a serious breakdown of law and order.
The State Police is unable to respond effectively.
The Governor requests assistance.
The State Police becomes unable to function because of administrative or financial problems.
Even in those situations, intervention requires prior approval from the National Police Council.
This provision is intended to protect State autonomy and prevent routine federal control over State Police operations.
5. The Federal capital territory will not have state police
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains entirely under the control of the Federal Police.
No separate State Police structure is proposed for the FCT.
6. Governors will have operational authority over state police
Each State Police Service will be headed by a:
Commissioner of Police (CP)
The CP will:
Lead the State Police.
Exercise operational command within the State.
Receive lawful directives from the Governor on public safety and public order matters.
This makes Governors the chief political authorities responsible for State security.
7. There are safeguards against abuse of power by Governors
The proposal attempts to prevent political misuse of State Police.
If a Commissioner of Police believes a Governor’s directive:
Is unlawful, or
Violates established policing standards,
the Commissioner may refer the matter to the National Police Council.
The Council’s decision will be final.
This creates an independent review mechanism between Governors and State Police leadership.
8. Appointment of State Police leadership will not be solely Controlled by Governors
The process involves several institutions:
Step 1
The State Police Service Commission recommends qualified candidates.
Step 2
The National Police Council advises on appointments.
Step 3
The Governor appoints the Commissioner.
Step 4
The State House of Assembly confirms the appointment.
This multi-layer process is intended to reduce unilateral political control.
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9. Removal of State Police Commissioners is also restricted
A Governor cannot simply dismiss a Commissioner at will.
Removal requires:
Recommendation by the National Police Council.
Valid grounds such as misconduct, dishonesty, bankruptcy, or incapacity.
Approval by a two-thirds majority of the State House of Assembly.
This is designed to provide security of tenure and operational independence.
10. The Inspector-General of Police will continue to lead the Federal Police
The Federal Police will remain under the command of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The IGP:
Is appointed by the President.
Must be confirmed by the National Assembly.
Commands all Federal Police personnel nationwide.
The President may issue lawful directives relating to public safety and public order.
11. A New National Police council will oversee both systems
The proposal significantly expands the National Police Council.
Its membership will include representatives from:
Federal Government.
State Governments.
Human rights institutions.
Labour organisations.
Legal profession.
Media profession.
Traditional rulers.
Retired police officers.
The Council will:
Set national policing standards.
Supervise policing activities within constitutional limits.
Recommend senior police appointments.
Coordinate Federal and State Police cooperation.
Approve federal intervention in States when necessary.
12. Every State will have a State Police service commission
Each State must establish a State Police Service Commission.
Its responsibilities include:
Recruitment of officers.
Discipline of officers below senior ranks.
Personnel management.
Recommending candidates for senior leadership positions.
This creates a civilian oversight body separate from operational police command.
13. National Standards will apply across Nigeria
Although States can create their own police services, they cannot operate below national standards.
The National Assembly will set minimum standards covering:
Training.
Recruitment.
Intelligence gathering.
Forensic procedures.
Use of force.
Firearms regulation.
Complaints handling.
Accountability systems.
States may exceed these standards but cannot fall below them.
14. States can design their own Police structures
Within naticanl guidelines, States may determine:
Organisational structure.
Funding arrangements.
Internal administration.
Local oversight mechanisms.
This allows States to adapt policing models to local security realities.
15. The Federal Government may financially support State Police
The amendment empowers the Federal Government to provide:
Grants.
Financial assistance.
Special funding support.
Such support must be recommended by the National Police Council and approved by the National Assembly.
This provision recognises that many States may struggle to fund modern police services independently.
16. Federal Authorities cannot control State Police personnel
The proposal expressly limits federal authority over State Police officers.
Federal laws cannot ordinarily give federal agencies power over:
Appointment.
Promotion.
Transfer.
Deployment.
Discipline.
Routine operational control.
The only exceptions arise during constitutionally authorised federal interventions.
17. Existing constitutional references will be updated
Many constitutional provisions currently referring to the “Nigeria Police Force” will be amended to reflect the new system.
References will be changed to:
Police
Federal Police
State Police
depending on the context.
Potential Benefits of the Proposal
Supporters argue that State Police could:
Improve community policing.
Enhance intelligence gathering.
Provide faster responses to local security threats.
Address banditry, kidnapping, cultism, and communal conflicts more effectively.
Reduce pressure on the Federal Police.
Strengthen accountability to local communities.
Major Concerns Raised by Critics
Opponents and critics worry about:
Political misuse by Governors.
Intimidation of political opponents.
Unequal policing standards among States.
Funding difficulties for poorer States.
Jurisdictional conflicts between Federal and State Police.
Risks of ethnic or regional bias in recruitment and operations.
The amendment attempts to address these concerns through the National Police Council, State Police Service Commissions, legislative oversight, and national minimum standards.
This amendment would represent the most significant policing reform since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
Nigeria would move from a single centralized police system to a dual policing s tructure consisting of Federal Police and State Police, with constitutional safeguards intended to balance local control, national standards, accountability, and operational independence.
