President Bola Tinubu has urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to commence constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of state police, as part of measures to tackle rising insecurity nationwide.
The President made the call on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said evolving security threats, including terrorism, banditry and insurgency, have made the creation of state police imperative. He stressed that decentralised policing would enhance grassroots security, strengthen intelligence gathering and enable quicker responses to local challenges.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” he said. “I urge you to begin the process of amending the Constitution to incorporate state police, so we can better secure our country, reclaim our forests from criminal elements and free our children from fear.”
The President explained that a decentralised policing structure would complement the existing federal security architecture while promoting community-based and intelligence-driven law enforcement.
He also commended the cordial working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing unity as essential to overcoming security challenges.
Tinubu further appreciated the Senate’s backing of key reforms under his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, describing them as bold but necessary steps. According to him, ending the subsidy regime curtailed what he termed “monumental corruption.”
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked the President for hosting the interfaith gathering and lauded his leadership at what he described as a critical time for the country.
Akpabio noted that the administration’s reforms had boosted revenue allocations to states, enabling governors to execute major infrastructure projects. He also offered prayers for the President and for peace and prosperity in the nation.
