Sokoto Assembly passes State Police Bill

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed the State Police Bill, joining other state legislatures in the ongoing effort to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system amid persistent security challenges.

The bill was passed unanimously during plenary on Tuesday, presided over by the Speaker, Tukur Bala Bodinga.

Confirming the development, Bodinga told our correspondent that the lawmakers had approved the bill, adding that an official statement would be released shortly.

“Yes, we have passed the bill today. You will see the statement any moment from now,” the Speaker said.

The development comes amid growing calls for the restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in the North-West, where banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes continue to threaten lives and property.

Proponents of state police argue that decentralising police operations would enable security agencies to respond more quickly to threats, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration with local communities.

They also contend that police officers operating within their respective states would be better positioned to understand the local terrain, identify emerging security threats and prevent criminal activities.

However, the proposed policing system has raised concerns over potential political interference, funding, operational independence and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Experts have stressed that effective implementation would require adequate funding, professional training, independent oversight and robust accountability mechanisms to prevent abuse of power and ensure respect for the rule of law.

The passage of the bill by the Sokoto Assembly marks a step in the ongoing efforts to establish state police through the constitutional amendment process.

The National Assembly had earlier forwarded the proposed state police framework to state legislatures for consideration as part of the process of amending the Constitution to permit the establishment of state police.

The Sokoto Assembly is expected to issue an official statement providing further details on the bill’s passage.