Nigeria’s Senate has thrown its significant weight behind the urgent establishment of state police forces, a move aimed at bolstering security across the nation. Lawmakers cited the country’s burgeoning population and the constitutional mandate that designates states as chief security officers within their own jurisdictions as key drivers for this policy shift.

This endorsement signifies a critical step towards decentralizing security control, empowering states and local governments to manage the security apparatus within their respective territories. The Senate’s resolution underscores the belief that localized security structures are vital for effectively addressing the complex challenges of crime and instability.

As part of a comprehensive strategy, the Senate recommended the formation of local security liaison committees in every ward. These committees, to be established with support from the Federal Government, will serve as the primary conduit between communities and official security agencies, facilitating first-response operations at the grassroots level.

The proposed committees will be inclusive, comprising local community members, traditional leaders, occupational groups, religious figures, and representatives of women and youth. This diverse composition is intended to foster effective intelligence gathering and cultivate trust between security personnel and the communities they serve.

In parallel, the Senate issued a stern directive for all unlicensed mining companies operating in Nigeria to cease operations immediately and register with the Federal Government. This measure targets unregulated mining activities, often linked to foreign nationals and complicit Nigerians, which have been identified as contributors to the nation’s escalating insecurity.

The lawmakers also called for the swift passage of a bill to establish Forest Guards and urged consideration of additional legislation to safeguard citizens’ lives and well-being, aligning with constitutional provisions. These legislative efforts are part of a broader commitment to enhancing national security frameworks.

The Senate’s resolutions stem from the interim report of its Ad-Hoc Committee on the National Security Summit, which meticulously reviewed zonal public hearing findings. The report, presented by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, detailed 32 recommendations that were subsequently adopted by the chamber.

Furthermore, the Senate emphasized the crucial role of religious leaders in promoting peace and tolerance, urging them to preach messages that uphold the sanctity of life. It also stipulated that religious figures inciting division or violence will be held accountable under the law.

Strengthening inter-agency collaboration was also a key focus, with the Senate advocating for deeper synergy between military, police, immigration, customs, intelligence agencies, and other security bodies. This is envisioned through joint operations centers and improved intelligence sharing mechanisms.

Finally, the Senate urged all security agencies to embrace intelligence-driven operations by leveraging digital and data-driven analysis. It also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from profiling individuals or groups based on tribal, regional, or religious affiliations, promoting a unified approach to national security.

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Keywords: state police, Nigeria security, Senate resolutions, insecurity, local security committees, unlicensed mining, national security, religious leaders