Senate Convenes Emergency Meeting Today Over State Police, Security Challenges

National security matters and the proposed State Police Bill are set to take center stage as the Senate convenes an emergency plenary session today.

The upper chamber is expected to consider legislative measures aimed at tackling worsening insecurity, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday.

Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, said the State Police Bill remains one of the most important issues before the Senate.

He said the Senate was awaiting the committee’s report after the bill passed second reading.

“The Senate will be considering matters of public interest, especially national security,” Adaramodu told Leadership.

“The State Police legislation will undoubtedly be a priority issue.”

The Senate spokesman said the chamber remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through legislative interventions.

According to him, the National Assembly is ready to work with the Executive and other stakeholders to restore peace and improve security nationwide.

“The Senate is desirous of partnering with other arms of government in curbing the undesirable activities of bandits, terrorists, and other peace-threatening marauders,” he added.

The emergency plenary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Lawmakers were formally notified of the sitting in a memo issued on June 15 by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo.

The notice stated that the session was convened at the instance of Senate President Godswill Akpabio to deliberate on matters considered critical to national stability and security.

The proposed State Police Bill is one of the major constitutional reform proposals before the National Assembly.

Supporters argue that decentralising policing powers would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community-based security and help state governments respond faster to local threats.

Critics, however, have raised concerns that state-controlled police formations could be abused for political purposes.

Nigeria currently operates a centralised policing system under the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force.