By Dan Zendesha 

Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended the House of Representatives for passing a bill aimed at paving the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria. Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day broadcast, the governor described the development as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening the country's security architecture.

Makurdi, Benue State — Governor Hyacinth Alia has praised the House of Representatives for passing a bill designed to pave the way for the creation of state police, describing the move as a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to tackle insecurity.

The governor made the remarks on Friday during his Democracy Day broadcast to the people of Benue State.

According to him, the proposed reform recognizes the need for a more localized and responsive policing structure capable of addressing the unique security challenges facing states and communities across the country.

Governor Alia said lawmakers deserve commendation for what he described as their courage, foresight, and commitment to protecting lives and property.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the proposal in good faith, stressing that state policing represents a necessary reform aimed at improving public safety and strengthening grassroots security.

The governor noted that with appropriate safeguards, constitutional checks, and accountability mechanisms, state police could complement existing security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering, and enable faster responses to security threats.

"This is a significant milestone in our collective quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria," he stated.

Governor Alia also highlighted efforts by his administration to improve security in Benue State through collaboration with conventional security agencies and community-based security structures.

He cited the provision of more than 150 operational vehicles and 600 motorcycles to security agencies, the establishment of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Anyam Nyor Joint Task Force as part of measures implemented to address insecurity.

According to the governor, these interventions have contributed to improved security and the gradual restoration of peace in several parts of the state.

The debate over state police has remained one of Nigeria's most significant constitutional and security discussions, with supporters arguing that decentralized policing could improve local intelligence and rapid response capabilities, while critics have raised concerns about potential political misuse and the need for strong oversight mechanisms.

The bill's passage by the House of Representatives marks an important stage in the ongoing constitutional reform process, though additional legislative and constitutional procedures may still be required before any state police framework becomes operational.