ABUJA — United States Congressman Riley Moore has formally commended the Nigerian House of Representatives for the overwhelming passage of a constitutional amendment bill designed to establish state-level police forces. The legislative move, approved on Thursday, June 11, 2026, is being hailed by international observers as a pivotal step toward decentralizing Nigeria's security architecture.

Legislative Milestone

During Thursday’s plenary, 289 members of the House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill, which seeks to restructure policing by formally creating both Federal and State Police formations. The amendment, titled the “Sixth Alteration Bill, 2026,” aims to allow Nigeria’s 36 states to operate their own police services alongside the existing federal force, ending decades of centralized control.

While the bill has now cleared the House, it must still pass through the Senate, receive ratification from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, and be signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

International Endorsement

Congressman Moore, who has been deeply involved in U.S. congressional scrutiny of Nigeria’s security and religious freedom issues, welcomed the development. In a statement posted to his X handle, the lawmaker expressed optimism that localizing law enforcement could provide a more robust response to the country’s diverse security threats.

"Strengthening the capacity of subnational governments is critical to improving security outcomes," Moore stated. "Ensuring states can protect their own citizens is a critical step toward ending instability in Nigeria."

Moore, who previously led a congressional fact-finding mission to Nigeria, also credited President Tinubu for his support of the legislative reform, noting that the administration’s backing was instrumental in the bill's successful passage through the lower chamber.

Addressing Security Challenges

The move comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with localized security threats, including kidnappings, banditry, and communal violence. Proponents of the state police bill argue that decentralized policing will:

  • Improve Response Times: By placing security personnel directly under the oversight of local authorities.

  • Enhance Intelligence: By leveraging community knowledge to better identify and neutralize criminal elements.

  • Reduce Federal Strain: By allowing the federal police force to focus on national security and inter-state crime.

While recognizing that the process is not yet complete, Congressman Moore signaled that the House’s vote is a significant indicator of progress in the ongoing efforts to bolster Nigeria’s internal security framework.