United States Congressman Riley Moore has praised the Nigerian Senate's passage of legislation to establish state police forces, describing the move as a significant advancement in addressing security challenges and safeguarding vulnerable populations. Moore, who has previously highlighted attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, emphasized that decentralizing policing would empower state governments to respond more effectively to local threats.
Moore's Endorsement of State Policing
In a social media statement, Moore expressed encouragement over the Senate's approval, noting that he has advocated for this reform both publicly and privately since investigating what he termed the genocide against Christians in Nigeria. He argued that reducing reliance on federal-level decisions would enable states to take direct responsibility for protecting residents.
“I’m encouraged to see Nigeria’s Senate approve legislation to establish state-level police forces—a reform I’ve called for publicly and privately since I first started investigating the genocide against Christians in Nigeria,” Moore stated. He added, “I can't stress how critical this law that will empower states to protect their own citizens and reducing dependence on decision makers in Abuja is to the effort to defend persecuted Christians and address insecurity.”
Next Steps for Ratification
Moore acknowledged that the proposal still requires ratification by at least two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 state legislatures before it can become law. He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative, saying, “President Tinubu deserves credit for pushing it forward, but now we need 2/3rds of the states to ratify before it will take effect.”
Senate Emergency Session
The Nigerian Senate convened an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, with the State Police Bill as the top priority. Lawmakers were recalled from a three-week recess after failing to secure the required two-thirds majority for the constitutional amendment earlier. The emergency sitting was communicated via a memo dated June 15 from the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, at the instance of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senate Spokesperson Confirms Priority
Senate Spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu confirmed in an exclusive interview on Monday that the bill would be central to Tuesday's proceedings. “The Senate will be considering matters of public interest, especially national security. The State Police legislation will undoubtedly be a priority issue,” Adaramodu said. He added that the Senate expected reports from the relevant committee that had been given legislative referral for a second reading, stating that the Senate was “desirous of partnering with other arms of Government in curbing the undesirable activities of bandits, terrorists and other peace-threatening marauders.”
Governors' Support
Nigerian state governors have also renewed their push for state police and electricity reforms. In a communiqué issued after the 2nd meeting of the Nigerian State Governors' Forum on Wednesday, June 17, governors agreed that constitutional frameworks must underpin any new policing structure. They held dedicated consultations with Attorneys-General to review proposed constitutional amendments ahead of a final collective decision.
