Sixteen state governors have submitted reports supporting the establishment of state police to the National Economic Council (NEC).
They have also recommended changes to the constitution to allow for the creation of state police.
The reports were presented at the 140th NEC meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The NEC is still awaiting reports from 20 other states, but it expressed confidence that they would also support the initiative.
The establishment of state police has become a pressing issue in Nigeria due to the increasing wave of abductions, attacks, and other violent crimes.
The nation has been plagued by incidents of banditry and terrorism, leading to calls for a multi-level policing system that includes state police. However, there are concerns about the potential abuse of power and the impact on national unity. Despite these concerns, the majority of governors and the federal government have shown support for the establishment of state police. The issue is also being considered by the National Assembly, which is currently discussing a bill to alter the constitution and provide for the creation of state police.