Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives, describing it as “a bold, timely, and necessary response to the evolving security realities facing our nation.”
Alia, who has long advocated for state-level policing, spoke on Friday as Nigeria marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, saying the legislative development represented a victory for communities across the country yearning for peace and protection.
“For years, Nigerians have called for a policing system that is closer to the people, understands local dynamics, and responds swiftly to threats. Today, that vision has moved one step closer to reality,” he said.
The Governor recalled making a passionate case for state police directly to President Bola Tinubu when he visited Benue following the Yelewata killing, describing local policing as a necessary pillar of a stronger national security architecture.
The bill, passed by the House of Representative, seeks to fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s policing system by moving it from exclusive federal control to a shared federal-state responsibility.
It proposes amendments to Sections 197, 214 and 215 of the Constitution to create a dual policing structure under which the existing Nigeria Police Force would continue as a national force while individual states are empowered to establish and manage their own police services for local security needs.
The legislation also includes constitutional safeguards -oversight mechanisms, operational guidelines, and a clear delineation of powers between federal and state policing authorities, designed to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
Alia commended the lawmakers for “putting national interest above all else,” adding that Benue State would continue to support security reforms aimed at guaranteeing peace and prosperity for its people.
The bill must still pass through the Senate and secure the assent of the President before becoming law.
