The Senate has vowed to fast-track the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity across Nigeria. The development comes as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, paid a security visit to Oyo State following recent abduction incidents.
Speaking during plenary, lawmakers expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks in different parts of the country, warning that the current policing structure has become overstretched and ineffective in addressing local security challenges.
The Senate said it would accelerate legislative actions on constitutional amendments aimed at creating state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, rapid response and community-based security operations.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police visited Oyo State to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the police force’s commitment to combating kidnappings and other criminal activities. During the visit, Egbetokun met with Governor Seyi Makinde and top security officials to review ongoing operations in the state.
The police chief reportedly ordered intensified surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and stronger collaboration among security agencies to curb criminal activities in the South-West region and other affected areas.
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Calls for state police have continued to dominate national discourse, with supporters insisting that governors and local authorities need greater control over security architecture to effectively address crimes within their states. Critics, however, have warned against possible political abuse of state-controlled police structures.
