In Abuja, the Nigerian House of Representatives is scheduled to open debate today (Wednesday) on the country’s deteriorating security situation.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu disclosed this during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The member representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Mansur Soro, also revealed that the highly anticipated report on the state police bill would be laid before the House this month. According to him, the joint Constitution Review Committees of both chambers have already adopted the bill.
Once passed by the National Assembly, the bill will be transmitted to the 36 state assemblies for ratification. Approval by at least two-thirds of the states will send it to the President for assent.
Lawmakers across party lines expressed strong support for decentralising policing.
Marcus Onobun, representing Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, described state policing as “a national necessity,” noting that insecurity has outgrown Nigeria’s centralised police structure.
“With proper safeguards and accountability, state police can become a powerful instrument for rapid response and community-driven security,” he said.
Similarly, Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, restated his long-standing support for allowing states and even local governments to run their own police formations.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday held a high-level security meeting with Service Chiefs and heads of key security agencies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting took place hours after Tinubu nominated former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) as Minister of Defence, following the resignation of Abubakar Badaru.
In attendance were:
- Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede
- Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. W. Shaibu
- Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke
- Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas
- DG, DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi
- Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Akomaye Undiandeye
- Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
Last Wednesday, Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating abductions and attacks. New measures include the recruitment of 20,000 additional police personnel, deployment of forest guards, and strengthened protection for schools, churches, and mosques in high-risk areas.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, was also sighted at the Villa, though it remains unclear whether his visit was in connection with the security briefing.
