The Zamfara State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services across Nigeria, adding the state to the growing list of legislatures considering the Federal Government-backed policing reform.
Speaker of the Assembly, Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, disclosed the decision while addressing journalists in Gusau on Monday.
The Assembly’s action followed the transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 from the National Assembly to the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The National Assembly confirmed that the State Police Bill was transmitted to all state legislatures on September 16, 2026, for consideration and approval.
Why Zamfara supports state police
Moriki said the proposed establishment of state police would complement existing security structures and strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria.
“This will, Insha Allah, complement the efforts of Mr President and Governor Dauda Lawal in addressing the insecurity-related issues in the state and our dear country Nigeria,” he said.
The development is particularly significant in Zamfara, where communities have faced persistent attacks and abductions by armed groups.
The proposed reform would create a constitutional framework for policing at the state level rather than relying exclusively on the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
What happens after state approval?
Zamfara’s endorsement does not by itself establish a state police force.
The proposal is part of a constitutional amendment process. Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, a constitutional alteration passed by the National Assembly requires approval by resolutions of at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly — 24 states — before the process can proceed to the presidential assent stage.
The National Assembly has given the state legislatures an administrative timeframe of 30 days to communicate their positions, although the Constitution itself does not prescribe that 30-day period as a statutory deadline.
Zamfara joins other states
Zamfara’s decision comes after several other state legislatures backed the proposal.
Osun, Edo, Rivers and Oyo had previously approved the constitutional amendment, according to reports tracking the state-level process.
However, this means the proposal remains far from the constitutional threshold required for completion. Recent nationwide reporting indicated that only four states had formally approved the measure before Zamfara’s latest action.
With Zamfara now added, the number of reported approving states would rise to five, leaving 19 more state approvals required to reach the 24-state threshold, assuming the reported approvals remain valid and no state reverses its position.
Assembly says political defections will not affect its work
Moriki also addressed the recent resignation of eight lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said the development would not disrupt the Assembly’s activities.
According to the Speaker, six of the affected lawmakers were among eight members suspended by the House on February 26, 2024, over allegations including gross misconduct, conspiracy, mischief, contempt of the House and violations of the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
He said one of the eight was no longer a sitting member because the House had already declared his seat vacant.
Moriki urged the public to distinguish between the lawmakers’ political decisions and the disciplinary proceedings against them.
He maintained that the Seventh Zamfara State House of Assembly remains functional and committed to legislative responsibilities. Independent reporting also confirms that the Speaker has maintained this position amid the defections.
