Plateau State House of Assembly has adopted the recommendations of its Ad-hoc Committee in support of the proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police in Nigeria.
The Assembly also passed two bills for first reading before adjourning for recess until November 10, 2026.
The decision to support the proposed State Police framework was taken during Monday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Naanlong Daniel.
Presenting the committee’s report, its chairman and member representing Qua’an-Pan South Constituency, Professor Theodore Bala Maiyaki, said the proposed constitutional amendment was necessary to address prevailing security challenges, police manpower shortages and the need to strengthen community-based policing.
The proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was transmitted to the 36 state assemblies on September 16 by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, for consideration and approval.
The proposal seeks to provide a constitutional framework for Federal and State Police Services, with safeguards for human rights, accountability, operational standards and coordination.
The committee maintained that decentralising policing could improve security responses at the community level and support socioeconomic development.
Following deliberations, lawmakers adopted the committee’s recommendations and voted in favour of the proposed constitutional alteration.
The Speaker commended the committee for its work and thanked members for their commitment to the legislative process.
Under the constitutional amendment procedure, the proposal requires approval by at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies before it can proceed to the next stage.
In a related development, the Assembly passed the Plateau State Right of Patients and Medical Institutions Bill and the Plateau State Bill on Jungle Justice, Mob Action and Other Forms of Unlawful Violence Against Persons for first reading.
The Assembly subsequently resolved to proceed on recess from October 19 to November 10, 2026, to allow members to rest and prepare for legislative business ahead.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
