Tinubu Urges 10th Senate to Amend Constitution for State Police Amid Nigeria’s Security Crisis
Nigeria’s push for comprehensive security sector reform gained fresh momentum on Wednesday night as President Bola Tinubu formally urged the 10th Senate to initiate constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of State Police.
The President made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he addressed lawmakers on the escalating security crisis confronting the country.
PulseNets learnt that Tinubu told the gathering that Nigeria is grappling with increasingly complex threats that demand urgent structural adjustments to the nation’s policing architecture. He stressed that decentralising law enforcement through State Police would strengthen security operations at the grassroots and empower state governments to respond swiftly to criminal activities within their jurisdictions.
PulseNets reported that the President explained that a decentralised policing model would function in collaboration with existing federal security agencies, while enhancing intelligence gathering through stronger community engagement and local participation.
He maintained that decisive action is required to reclaim ungoverned spaces and restore public confidence in national security institutions.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. 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,” he said.
Tinubu further commended the synergy between the executive and legislative arms, noting that sustained cooperation is critical to defeating insecurity and stabilising Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all,” Tinubu added.
PulseNets obtained that the President also expressed appreciation to the Senate for backing key economic reforms introduced by his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the implementation of tax reforms. He described the measures as difficult but necessary steps to eliminate systemic corruption and stabilise the national economy.
“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange,” he said.
According to Tinubu, early indicators suggest gradual economic recovery, and lawmakers must remain steadfast in supporting long term policies aimed at sustainable prosperity.
“You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” the President stated.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the interfaith session, describing the engagement as a reflection of mutual respect and institutional collaboration between both arms of government.
Also Read: Tinubu Government Paid N10bn Ransom, Freed Boko Haram Commanders for St. Mary’s Pupils — AFP Report
PulseNets learnt that Akpabio commended Tinubu’s leadership direction, stating that recent reforms have expanded revenue flows to state governments and created room for infrastructure development nationwide.
He also offered prayers for national peace, stability, and sustained progress, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future under the current reform agenda.
