The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) has welcomed the National Assembly’s endorsement of the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish State Police across Nigeria, describing the development as a historic milestone in the country’s security reform efforts.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Abdulhafiz Garba, PhD, the organization commended lawmakers for their overwhelming support of the bill, with 289 legislators voting in favour and only four opposing it.
According to the NYA, the outcome reflects a growing national consensus on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through decentralized and community-oriented policing.
The assembly noted that the creation of State Police represents one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999, particularly given the persistent security challenges facing many parts of the country.
The Assembly observed that communities across Northern Nigeria have long grappled with insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, terrorism, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities that have negatively impacted livelihoods, economic growth, and social stability.
While acknowledging the sacrifices and commitment of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the NYA argued that the centralized policing structure has struggled to effectively address the country’s vast and diverse security challenges.
It stated that State Police would complement existing federal security agencies by bringing law enforcement closer to the people and enhancing community participation in security management.
NYA outlined several potential benefits of the proposed reform for Northern Nigeria.
According to the statement, locally recruited police personnel would possess a better understanding of their communities’ language, culture, terrain, and social dynamics, thereby improving intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The Assembly further noted that State Police would facilitate quicker responses to security threats and emergencies by reducing bureaucratic delays associated with centralized command structures.
It also emphasized the employment opportunities the initiative could create for thousands of young people across the region through recruitment into state policing services.
The group added that improved security would encourage investment, boost agricultural productivity, revive rural economies, and facilitate the safe movement of people and goods, ultimately contributing to national development.
To support its position, the NYA cited examples from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany, where decentralized policing systems operate alongside federal law enforcement agencies.
According to the Assembly, these models demonstrate that state-based policing can strengthen governance, improve accountability, and enhance public safety without undermining national unity.
The NYA described the passage of the State Police Bill as more than a legislative achievement, saying it represents a significant step toward building a safer, more peaceful, and more secure Nigeria.
The organization reaffirmed its support for the reform and pledged to continue advocating policies that promote peace, security, development, and national unity across the country.