Nigeria’s House of Representatives approved a constitutional amendment Thursday allowing the country’s 36 states to create their own police forces. Currently, Nigeria relies primarily on a single, federally controlled police force. The reform aims to address widespread insecurity challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes, which the existing national force has struggled to contain. Each state police force will operate in conjunction with the federal Nigeria Police Force, creating a multi-layered security system. Supporters argue localized policing will improve response times and enhance community trust. The bill still requires approval from state legislatures to become law. This move represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s security structure and a response to long-standing calls for decentralized law enforcement.