The Sokoto State House of Assembly has unanimously adopted a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police services in Nigeria, joining other state legislatures supporting changes to the country’s policing structure.
The decision followed a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Mustapha Abdullahi, representing Sokoto South II, during plenary on Tuesday, October 27. Speaker Tukur Bala presided over the session.
Abdullahi said the proposed Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution seeks to establish state police while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the federal policing institution.
Under the proposed framework, federal police would handle interstate and international crimes, terrorism, cybercrime, border security and the protection of federal assets. State police would focus on maintaining public order, protecting lives and property, enforcing laws and investigating crimes within their jurisdictions.
The proposal also provides for state police commanders to be appointed by governors on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to confirmation by the relevant state assembly. A State Police Service Commission would oversee the appointment, promotion and discipline of personnel.
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Abdullahi said the federal police could intervene in state policing operations at a governor’s request or when a breakdown of law and order exceeded the capacity of state police to contain.
The adoption represents another step in the constitutional amendment process. Under Section 9(2) of the Constitution, an alteration requires approval by resolutions of at least two-thirds of all state Houses of Assembly.
If the process is completed, the proposed framework would introduce a dual policing structure. Its effectiveness would depend on clear responsibilities, adequate funding, independent oversight and safeguards against political interference and abuse of power.
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