As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, the Rivers State House of Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment bill seeking to pave the way for the establishment of state police across the country.
The assembly approved the Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026, during its sitting on Monday, following its transmission by the National Assembly.
The proposed amendment seeks to establish a constitutional framework for state police while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the federal policing authority.
Before the vote, Speaker Martin Amaewhule said any state policing structure must include safeguards for civilian oversight, protection of human rights and access to criminal intelligence.
He also emphasised the need for adequate measures to prevent the abuse of state police powers.
According to a statement by the Speaker’s Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, lawmakers unanimously endorsed the bill.
With the approval, Rivers becomes the third state to endorse the proposed constitutional amendment, following similar approvals by the Osun and Edo State Houses of Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Kano State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of the bill transmitted by the Clerk of the National Assembly.
The assembly’s Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yangurasa, confirmed that the bill was read on the floor on Monday before being referred to the Committee on Rules and Business.
He said the committee would scrutinise the proposed legislation and submit its recommendations to the House for further consideration.
Yangurasa added that the assembly would take further steps on the bill after receiving the committee’s report.
The developments in Rivers and Kano come as state legislatures consider the proposed constitutional changes required to establish state police and redefine policing responsibilities between federal and state authorities.
