The Rivers State House of Assembly has backed the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services in Nigeria.
The lawmakers announced their support during plenary on Monday, September 28, 2026, following the transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a dual policing structure comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services. Under the proposal, individual states would have the constitutional authority to establish their own police services, subject to provisions of the Constitution and relevant legislation.
The National Assembly transmitted the bill to the state legislatures on September 16 as part of the constitutional amendment process.
For the amendment to proceed, it requires approval by at least two thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, meaning at least 24 state legislatures must approve it.
The proposal has generated discussion over how state police would operate, including issues surrounding funding, oversight, coordination with federal security agencies and safeguards against political interference.
The Rivers Assembly’s endorsement adds to the decisions being taken by state legislatures as they consider the proposed constitutional changes.
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