On July 1, 2024, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Nigerian Senate Majority Leader and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, spoke at the 2024 Distinguished Personality Lecture Series at the University of Ilorin. He emphasized that establishing state police would significantly help address Nigeria's current security challenges.
According to Vanguard, Senator Bamidele stated, "It is self-evident that the establishment of state police will go a long way in mitigating Nigeria’s current security challenges, especially if the proper control mechanisms are put in place." He argued that decentralizing the police force and empowering state governments to manage their security affairs is crucial for achieving security in the country. He noted the central police force's failure to effectively handle security issues and stressed the need to explore state policing as an alternative, despite the political complexities involved.
Senator Bamidele also highlighted concerns that state governors might misuse state police forces to suppress political opposition or violate human rights. He insisted that any constitutional amendment for state policing must include stringent checks and balances, along with robust mechanisms for oversight and accountability to ensure state police operate lawfully and respect citizens' rights. Additionally, he acknowledged that establishing and maintaining state police would require significant financial investments.