The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) commended the National Assembly for the historic passage of the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of State Police across Nigeria, describing it as a landmark security reform capable of addressing the country’s growing security challenges.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Secretary-General of the Assembly, Dr. Abdulhafiz Garba, following the House of Representatives’ overwhelming endorsement of the bill, where 289 lawmakers voted in favour while only four opposed it.
According to the youth group, the development reflects a broad national consensus on the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through decentralized and community-based policing.
The Assembly noted that State Police represents one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, especially for Northern Nigeria, where communities have continued to grapple with banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, terrorism, communal clashes, and other forms of violent crimes.
Read Also:
Reps Pass State Police Bill for Further Legislative Action
MAAUN Group congratulates Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero on Her 56th Birthday
Kano Dialogue: North-West Governors Endorse Social Protection Framework for Vulnerable Families
“The overwhelming support demonstrated by members of the National Assembly reflects the growing realization that contemporary security challenges require innovative, responsive and locally driven solutions,” the statement said.
The group observed that while the Nigeria Police Force has continued to make sacrifices in the line of duty, the centralized policing structure has struggled to adequately address the country’s diverse and complex security challenges due to Nigeria’s vast geographical size and growing population.
According to the Assembly, State Police would complement existing federal security structures by bringing law enforcement closer to the people and improving the effectiveness of crime prevention and response mechanisms.
Benefits for Northern Nigeria
The NYA outlined several potential benefits of State Police for Northern Nigeria, including improved intelligence gathering, faster response to security threats, youth employment opportunities, and economic growth.
The Assembly argued that recruiting police personnel from local communities would enhance intelligence collection, as officers would possess a better understanding of local languages, culture, terrain, and social dynamics.
It further stated that decentralised policing would enable security agencies to respond more swiftly to emergencies without waiting for directives from distant command structures.
The youth group also noted that the establishment of State Police would create thousands of employment opportunities for young Nigerians while helping to reduce unemployment and youth restiveness.
“Improved security will encourage investment, boost agricultural productivity, revive rural economies, and facilitate the safe movement of goods and people across the region. A secure North is essential for a prosperous Nigeria,” the statement added.
Cites Global Examples
The Assembly pointed to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany as successful examples of decentralized policing systems.
According to the statement, these countries operate state or provincial police structures alongside federal law enforcement agencies, allowing local authorities to effectively tackle security challenges while maintaining national unity and coordination.
The group maintained that decentralised policing does not weaken national cohesion but rather strengthens governance, accountability, and public safety.
Call for Swift Implementation
The Northern Youth Assembly described the passage of the State Police Bill as more than a legislative victory, saying it represents a major step towards building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
It expressed optimism that the reform would enhance community protection, improve intelligence gathering, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable peace across Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
The Assembly reiterated its commitment to supporting policies and reforms that promote peace, security, development, and national unity, while urging all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed State Police framework.
Dr. Garba reiterated that the reform offers renewed hope for communities affected by insecurity and demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to strengthen its democratic institutions and security systems.