President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to the leadership and members of the 10th Senate to initiate amendments to the 1999 Constitution to incorporate provisions for state police. The call was made during an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) hosted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The President described the establishment of state police as an urgent necessity amid Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and other threats. He emphasized that decentralizing policing would strengthen grassroots security, empower states to respond more effectively to local threats, reclaim forests from marauders, and free citizens, especially children from fear.

“What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” Tinubu stated.

This appeal builds on earlier commitments, including discussions with state governors and the formation of joint committees to explore modalities for state policing. Tinubu framed the reform as a practical measure to complement the federal security architecture with intelligence-led, community-focused enforcement.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President for his visionary leadership and pledged the Senate’s support, assuring that no executive bill would stall under their watch. The move requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and subsequent state assembly approvals.

The proposal has sparked renewed debate on federalism, potential risks of abuse by state governments, and the need for safeguards in implementation.