JIGAWA ASSEMBLY ENDORSES STATE POLICE BILL

The Jigawa State House of Assembly has endorsed the State Police Bill, declaring that states should have greater responsibility for addressing their security challenges.

The endorsement was announced on Tuesday during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Haruna Dangyatim, at the Assembly Complex in Dutse.

The National Assembly had transmitted the Constitution Amendment Bill to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, for concurrence in accordance with constitutional requirements.

Speaking after deliberations, Dangyatim said the Assembly had carefully examined the proposed amendment and considered it to be in the interest of Jigawa State and Nigeria.

“We have done the needful and endorsed the State Police Bill because our people need security that is close to them,” the Speaker said.

He argued that the centralised policing system had struggled to address local security challenges effectively, particularly in rural communities.

Speaking further to journalists, Dangyatim said the Nigeria Police Force was overstretched and that establishing state police would bring security operations closer to residents while enabling authorities to respond more effectively to local challenges.

He explained that the Assembly acted within the 30-day period provided for state legislatures to consider and concur with the proposed constitutional amendment.

According to him, a special ad hoc committee was established to examine the proposed amendments and consult relevant stakeholders before the Assembly reached its decision.

Dangyatim said traditional rulers, civil society organisations and professional bodies were consulted during the process, adding that they expressed support for the establishment of state police.

“We engaged widely, and the message from our people is clear; they want State Police to complement the federal police,” he said.

The Speaker added that transparency, patriotism and the interests of the people guided the Assembly’s decision.

He maintained that the endorsement was aimed at strengthening security and supporting the country’s democratic development.

“We will not compromise the interest of Jigawa State and Nigeria at large. This endorsement is for the future of our democracy and the safety of our people,” Dangyatim added.