Insecurity: Southwest Group Seeks Tinubu’s Quick Assent to State Police Bill

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to expedite action on signing the state police bill into law following its passage by the National Assembly.

The call was made by the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) on Monday after an extraordinary meeting held at Oodua House, Ikeja, Lagos.

The draft executive bill and implementation framework are scheduled for presentation to the President on September 3, 2026, and the constitutional amendment still requires approval from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Assemblies.

The group also urged the governors of the Southwest States and State Houses of Assembly to prioritise the passage of enabling laws, budgetary provisions, and institutional arrangements that will facilitate the smooth takeoff of state policing.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, the group noted that though incidences of insecurity have not been alarming in the southwest in recent months, it stressed the need to be battle ready with the state police in place.

The group equally observed that residents of many states in the north and middlebelt regions of the country were still living in fear of insecurity, hence the need not to rest on our oars with the state police forces.

“The Southwest, parts of the Southsouth and Southeast, the North and even the Middlebelt, are not yet free from disturbing criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other forms of violence that threaten the peace and development of our communities.

“This situation calls for a united front and proactive measures from all stakeholders — government at all levels, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society groups,” the group noted.

It stressed the urgent need for all concerned stakeholders involved in the implementation of the State Police Bill to expedite action, noting that the delay in operationalising state police forces is a disservice to the masses who continue to suffer from insecurity.

“The State Police Bill, which has been hailed as a game-changer in Nigeria’s security architecture, promises to empower states with the authority to establish their own police forces. This decentralisation is crucial for addressing localised security challenges effectively and promptly. Yet, despite the bill’s passage by the National Assembly, its implementation remains sluggish and uncertain.

“The SSSG hereby poses critical questions to the Federal Government, State Governments, and the respective State Houses of Assembly: What is the current status of the implementation of the State Police Bill? How far have the legislative and executive arms progressed in actualizing this vital reform? The people of the Southwest deserve clear answers and tangible actions,” the statement read.

The SSSG, led by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, comprises the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Professional Hunters Association, Odua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, Omo Oduduwa United, Yoruba People’s Congress and Yoruba Self-defense Group, among others, which all have structures at the grassroot in all local governments areas across the region.

The SSSG urged the governors of the Southwest states to also explore and deepen collaboration with the SSSG and other security-relevant groups within the region.

It said that the collective experience, local knowledge, and community trust that the groups possess are invaluable assets in the fight against insecurity.

“By working together, the government and security stakeholders can develop innovative, technology-driven, and community-rooted strategies that address the root causes of insecurity. This partnership will also enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community policing efforts tailored to the unique security dynamics of Yorubaland.

“The time for rhetoric has passed. The people of the Southwest demand and deserve peace, security, and development. The SSSG stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve these goals. However, this requires commitment, transparency, and urgency from our leaders and institutions,” it added.