The Senate is set to pass the long-awaited state police bill within the next two weeks, a move lawmakers believe could reshape Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthen the fight against rising insecurity across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market and Investment and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Izunaso, gave the assurance on Saturday at the maiden Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference (NPSC) and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.
Addressing a gathering of policymakers, military officers, diplomats, security experts and scholars, the lawmaker described the proposed legislation as a critical response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
According to him, the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, while the Senate is perfecting the legislation to address identified gaps before giving its final approval.
“I can assure you that the Senate will also follow suit and pass it. In the next two weeks, we are going to pass that bill because we all believe in it,” Izunaso said.
Beyond the debate over state policing, the senator stressed that securing Nigeria cannot be left solely in the hands of the military and security agencies. He argued that with a population estimated at about 250 million people, the country’s security forces alone cannot effectively protect every community.
“The basic security we require is the Nigerian populace themselves. We have to bring to the attention of the authorities whatever looks suspicious immediately. Everybody in this country should participate in the call for security,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies and become active partners in community safety. He also noted that existing laws permit civilians, under certain circumstances, to apprehend suspects and hand them over to the authorities, while calling for greater public awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Izunaso said the country’s complex security threats — ranging from terrorism, insurgency and banditry to kidnapping, communal conflicts, cybercrime, oil theft and organised crime — require comprehensive solutions that extend beyond military operations.
While commending the sacrifices of the armed forces and other security agencies, he maintained that sustainable peace would depend on strong institutions, effective legislation, adequate funding, intelligence-driven operations, responsive governance and active citizen participation.
“It is increasingly clear that military solutions alone cannot solve all security challenges,” he stated.
The senator also highlighted the constitutional role of the National Assembly in strengthening national security through lawmaking, appropriation, oversight and representation, noting that lawmakers serve as vital channels through which citizens can relay security concerns and policy ideas.
He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a proactive approach to security management, saying the administration has consistently responded swiftly to emerging threats and adjusted the nation’s security framework when necessary.
“Security matters are not things we discuss in public. There are things done behind the curtains, but we must commend Mr President for being proactive, extremely proactive,” he said.
Describing security as the foundation of sustainable development and national prosperity, Izunaso commended the organisers of the conference for creating a platform to examine Nigeria’s security landscape and encourage collaboration between government and citizens.
He expressed optimism that the annual conference would generate practical ideas capable of strengthening the country’s security framework and fostering greater cooperation among stakeholders.
Earlier, the convener of the event, Dr Charles Awuzie, said the conference was conceived to provide a platform for open discussions on security, defence capacity, investment, local manufacturing, intelligence support, community safety and public-private partnerships.
In his closing remarks, co-convener and security studies expert, Dr Mohammed Sani Abubakar, said the gathering had successfully created a platform for synergy among private security firms, consultancy groups, government representatives and non-state actors to align strategies for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
