President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong confidence that the establishment of state police will transform Nigeria’s security landscape, revealing that he “bragged” to leaders from the United States and the European Union that the initiative would not fail under his administration.

Speaking on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting with governors at the State House, Tinubu said he is relying on the party’s governors to ensure successful implementation. “I had a very long discussion with the US and European leaders. I was bragging to them that definitely we will pass state police to improve security,” he recounted. “They asked if I’m confident, and I said yes—I have a party to depend on that will make it happen. If we fail at this level, God forbid—we will not fail.”

The remarks come amid renewed calls for decentralised policing following persistent banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on soft targets such as churches and schools.

Recent incidents in Kwara and Niger States saw gunmen abduct worshippers and students, intensifying demands for reform.

President Tinubu’s push aligns with long-standing demands for constitutional amendments to allow states to manage their own police forces, with critics of federal centralisation arguing it hampers rapid response to local crises.

Proponents posit that decentralisation is essential for tackling Nigeria’s multi-layered security threats. APC governors have pledged support, framing state police as central to the Renewed Hope security agenda though Critics caution against potential abuse of state-controlled forces without robust safeguards.

The National Assembly is expected to revisit related bills in 2026, setting the stage for what could be one of the most consequential reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.