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Senate Passes Controversial State Police Bill
In a landmark decision that could reshape the nation’s security architecture, the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a bill establishing state police forces across the country.
The bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow states to create and manage their own police services, was approved after hours of debate and multiple amendments. Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor, marking a significant victory for proponents who argue that decentralized policing is essential to tackling rising insecurity, banditry, and kidnapping.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the passage as “a bold step towards true federalism and enhanced security governance.” He noted that the bill includes stringent safeguards, including oversight mechanisms by the federal police authorities and human rights protections to prevent abuse.
The development comes amid growing pressure from state governors, particularly in the southern and north-central regions, who have long complained that the centralized Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and ill-equipped to respond swiftly to local threats. Supporters believe state police will enable quicker response times, better intelligence gathering, and community-oriented law enforcement.
However, critics expressed concerns during the debate over potential risks, including the politicization of security forces, possible human rights violations, and the capacity of poorer states to fund and equip their own police. Some senators warned that without robust funding frameworks and training standards, the reform could exacerbate existing inequalities between states.
The bill now proceeds to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If passed by the lower chamber and signed by President Bola Tinubu, it will represent one of the most sweeping constitutional changes in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Public reactions have been mixed, with civil society groups calling for transparency in the implementation process and adequate training for new recruits. Security analysts say the success of state police will ultimately depend on proper funding, accountability, and coordination with federal forces.
This legislative move is seen as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges as the country grapples with economic pressures and persistent violence in various regions.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service hereby provide an update on the ongoing rescue operation at the site of the collapsed two-storey building located at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, along the Badagry Expressway.
Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and six additional victims have been successfully rescued from the debris bringing the number to 16.
Regrettably, two persons have been recovered dead.
Emergency responders remain on the scene, working tirelessly to ensure that all affected persons are accounted for and to safeguard the area.
Further updates will be communicated as rescue operations progress.
News
Ondo Government Withholds WASSCE Results, Expels Students Over Sign-Out Misconducts
The students involved were identified as being from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School, all located in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The Ondo State Government has withheld the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results and testimonials of some graduating secondary school students following acts of misconduct during their sign-out celebrations.
The State Ministry of Education disclosed that the disciplinary action was taken after 17 final-year students were found to have engaged in chaotic and unruly behaviour after completing their final examination.
According to the ministry, the affected students were captured in a viral video tearing their school uniforms, chanting unusual slogans, and engaging in acts considered inconsistent with acceptable standards of discipline.
The students involved were identified as being from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School, all located in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The government said the sanctions were imposed to uphold discipline and discourage acts of indiscipline among students in the state’s public secondary schools.
Credit: Facebook
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has directed the immediate closure of the Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, described as the largest such facility in the state outside Maiduguri.
The governor announced the directive on Thursday during an assessment visit to the Government Secondary School IDP camp in Gwoza, shortly after supervising the profiling and screening of displaced persons in Bama.
“We visited Bama yesterday and supervised the screening of IDPs, and by 12 noon, Bama IDP camp should be closed,” Zulum stated.
He emphasized that the closure follows the successful completion of the profiling and screening exercise, as part of the state government’s broader efforts to resettle IDPs and restore normalcy in liberated communities.
The move is the latest in a series of camp closures across Borno State, with authorities having already resettled thousands of IDPs in recent weeks. Governor Zulum assured that affected persons would receive adequate support, including relief materials, for dignified resettlement.
This development signals significant progress in the state’s recovery and resettlement programme amid improved security in parts of Borno.
The story is still developing as authorities implement the closure order.
UPDATE: Two Persons Recovered Dead At The Collapsed Two-Storey Building
Ondo Government Withholds WASSCE Results, Expels Students Over Sign-Out Misconducts
Zulum Orders Immediate Closure of Bama IDP Camp, See why..
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