Sokoto assembly passes state police bill

The Sokoto State House of Assembly unanimously passed the State Police Bill, signalling lawmakers’ support for the proposed decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system amid growing security challenges nationwide.

Lawmakers passed the bill in plenary on Tuesday, under the leadership of the Speaker, Tukur Bala Bodinga.

Confirming the development to our correspondent, Bodinga said the House had passed the bill and promised to issue an official statement detailing the decision.

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

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

The proposed state policing framework is expected to strengthen grassroots security operations by enabling authorities to respond more effectively to threats in their communities.

Advocates of state police argue that decentralising police operations would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community engagement and enable faster responses to criminal activity.

They maintain that officers operating within their respective states would be better positioned to understand local terrain, identify emerging threats and collaborate with community stakeholders to prevent crime.

The proposed arrangement, however, has raised concerns about potential political interference, inadequate funding, operational independence and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

To work effectively, the state police system would need adequate funding, professional training, effective oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent abuses and ensure officers operate within the law.

The Sokoto Assembly’s passage of the bill marks a step in the ongoing constitutional process to establish state police in Nigeria.

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

The Sokoto Assembly is expected to provide further details on the bill’s passage in its forthcoming official statement.