Nigeria Senate Passes State Police Bill

Nigeria's upper house of parliament voted on Wednesday to pass a bill creating state-level police forces, a reform long demanded to address the nation's escalating insecurity.

The constitutional amendment allows each state to establish its own police service, with commissioners appointed by governors but subject to federal oversight and judicial review.

Proponents argue the move will bring policing closer to communities and improve response to banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.

Critics, however, have warned that governors could misuse the new powers for political ends, prompting lawmakers to include detailed safeguards.