State Police Won’t Be Governors’ Private Armies – Reps Assure Nigerians

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has assured Nigerians that the proposed State Police Bill includes strong constitutional safeguards to prevent governors from using state police as private political armies. (Punch Newspapers)

Speaking at the National Security Roundtable during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Abbas said the House would thoroughly scrutinize the bill to ensure it strengthens security without undermining democracy or the rule of law. (Punch Newspapers)

Addressing concerns over potential abuse by state governors, Abbas acknowledged the fears but insisted that the proposed legislation contains multiple layers of oversight and accountability.

“I understand the concern that many people bring to this discussion… It is the fear that state police could become the private army of a governor or a political godfather,” Abbas said. (Punch Newspapers)

According to the Speaker, the bill proposes renaming the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service, while allowing states that choose to establish their own police services through laws passed by their respective Houses of Assembly. However, no state police outfit would begin operations until it meets national minimum standards set by the National Assembly. (Punch Newspapers)

He explained that the Federal Police would continue to handle terrorism, border security, federal offences, and policing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Commissioners of State Police would be nominated through the National Police Council, confirmed by state legislatures, and could only be removed by a two-thirds majority of the State House of Assembly for just cause. (Punch Newspapers)

Abbas also noted that the Constitution would empower the Federal Police to intervene if a state police service collapses, is unlawfully deployed, or threatens public safety, with such intervention subject to legislative notification and judicial oversight. (Punch Newspapers)

The Speaker advocated a phased implementation of state policing, stressing that only states with the financial capacity to sustain their police services should establish them. He added that the House is committed to striking a balance between improving security and protecting democratic institutions. (Punch Newspapers)