Sokoto Assembly Passes State Police Bill Amid Rising Security Concerns

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has unanimously passed the State Police Bill, backing ongoing efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system amid persistent security challenges across the country.

The bill was passed during plenary on Tuesday under the leadership of the Speaker, Tukur Bala Bodinga, who confirmed the development and said an official statement would be released.

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Speaker Confirms Passage of Bill

Bodinga confirmed the decision when contacted by a correspondent, saying lawmakers had approved the bill.

“Yes, we have passed the bill today. You will see the statement any moment from now,” the Speaker said.

The passage marks the Sokoto Assembly’s support for the proposed reform, which seeks to establish a legal framework for state police as part of efforts to improve security responses at the state and community levels.

Security Concerns Drive Calls for State Police

The development comes amid renewed calls to reform Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in the North-West, where banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes continue to threaten lives and property.

Supporters of state policing argue that decentralising police operations could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community engagement and enable security personnel to respond more quickly to local threats.

They also maintain that state-based police commands could develop a better understanding of local terrain and criminal networks, while working more closely with community leaders to prevent attacks.

Concerns Over Political Interference and Accountability

Despite the anticipated benefits, the proposed reform has raised concerns about possible political interference, inadequate funding, operational independence and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Advocates of the reform have stressed the importance of professional training, reliable funding, effective oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that state police officers operate within the law.

These safeguards are considered important to preventing abuses and ensuring that state policing serves communities rather than political interests.

Constitutional Process Still Required

The Sokoto Assembly’s decision forms part of the ongoing constitutional process aimed at establishing state police in Nigeria.

The National Assembly had earlier forwarded the proposed framework to state legislatures for consideration as part of efforts to advance the constitutional amendment required for the reform.

Although Sokoto lawmakers have passed the bill, the Assembly’s decision alone does not establish state police in the state or across Nigeria. Further steps under the constitutional amendment process remain necessary before the proposed system can become operational.