PSN Backs State Police Reform Initiative

By Babatunji Wusu| The Parliament Support Network (PSN) has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives, describing it as a crucial step towards strengthening security and improving law enforcement at the grassroots level across Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the organisation said the proposed reform has the potential to transform the country’s security framework by allowing states to play a more active role in protecting lives and property. The group believes the move could help address the growing security concerns facing communities nationwide.

Speaking on the development, PSN Executive Director, Dr Moses Onoja, noted that Nigeria’s current centralised policing structure has struggled to cope with increasing cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal clashes in different parts of the country.

According to him, the State Police Bill would enhance intelligence gathering, improve response times to security threats and provide law enforcement officers with a deeper understanding of local environments and community-specific challenges.

“State police will strengthen grassroots security and deepen the country’s ability to prevent and respond to crime. It is a reform whose time has come,” Onoja said.

The group also pointed to the overwhelming support the bill received in the House of Representatives as evidence of a growing national consensus on the need for fresh approaches to tackling insecurity. Lawmakers recently approved the proposal with an overwhelming majority vote, reflecting broad support for the reform.

Onoja argued that state police reform would complement the efforts of federal security agencies while creating a more responsive and community-focused policing system. He, however, noted that the initiative should be seen as part of a broader strategy to improve public safety rather than a complete solution to all security concerns.

The PSN urged the Senate, state legislatures and other stakeholders to support the proposal, stressing that state police reform remains a vital step towards enhancing security governance and protecting citizens across the federation.