Aeesha's Blog

Tag: National Security Concerns

  • Tinubu Calls on National Assembly to Fast-Track Constitutional Amendment for State Police

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intensified the discourse on security restructuring by urging the National Assembly to initiate the process of amending the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the creation of State Police forces across Nigeria.

    Speaking on Wednesday night during an interfaith Iftar breaking of fast with members of the Senate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the president framed the constitutional change as a necessary response to escalating insecurity nationwide — particularly terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

    Tinubu said Nigeria’s current centralised policing model under the Nigeria Police Force has proved insufficient to stem “marauders” in forests and protect citizens — especially children — from fear and violence. “What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the State Police … for us to secure our country,” he told senators.

    A Renewed Push Amid National Security Concerns

    The president’s call builds on his earlier promise last Monday to state governors that the establishment of state police “will not be postponed,” signaling a sustained commitment to security reform.

    Recent debates among state assemblies and other stakeholders have also pushed for state policing as a tool to empower local authorities and improve responsiveness in remote and high-risk regions. Analysts argue that devolving policing powers could complement federal security efforts and embed community-specific strategies into Nigeria’s broader security architecture.

    Yet the constitutional amendment process remains complex: any change must garner a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and be ratified by at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

    Political Unity and Broader Governance Agenda

    In his address, Tinubu also touched on recent political criticisms, including opposition allegations that his administration is eroding political plurality through defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress. He dismissed those claims and called for unity among political leaders to confront the nation’s security and governance challenges.

    Tinubu credited members of the National Assembly for backing key economic reforms — notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market — and described Nigeria as enjoying “a stable economy” poised for prosperity.

    Security Reform at a Crossroads

    The idea of state police has long featured in discussions on federal restructuring, with supporters arguing it could localise security operations and improve accountability. Critics, however, caution against possible politicisation and financial burdens on sub-national governments if not properly regulated.

    As the Senate begins its Ramadan recess, many observers are watching closely to see whether constitutional review committees will adopt Tinubu’s proposal and how swiftly the legislative-executive partnership can translate it into actionable constitutional reform.

  • Senate Defers Public Debate on US Air Strikes, Opts for Closed Session

    The Nigerian Senate has deferred its public debate on the recent United States air strikes carried out in Sokoto State, opting instead for a closed-door session to address the matter, citing national security concerns.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary, explaining that the issue touches on sensitive security information and should not be discussed openly. Akpabio stressed that the Senate’s privileges have not been breached and that open debate on matters affecting national security is not customary.

    “Security is not something we discuss in the open market,” the Senate President remarked, urging restraint and discretion from members and the public.

    Concerns Raised by Lawmakers

    The call for scrutiny was led by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who invoked a Point of Order on matters of privilege to raise constitutional questions about the strikes. Ningi argued that the National Assembly, under Nigeria’s Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, has authority over matters of peace, security and governance — and that foreign military action on Nigerian soil should involve comprehensive legislative oversight.

    Ningi contended that the reported air strikes could constitute a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and potentially conflict with international law, pointing to provisions of the United Nations Charter. He further emphasised that, while the President is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, foreign military operations require proper constitutional coordination and transparency with the legislature.

    Senate President’s Ruling

    Responding to Ningi’s concerns, Senator Akpabio clarified that senators had already received a confidential briefing indicating that the December 25 operation involved collaboration with Nigerian security agencies. However, due to the sensitive nature of the details, Akpabio said a comprehensive closed-door briefing by relevant security officials would follow to properly inform members.

    The Senate, therefore, paused further public discussion on the air strikes until that closed session is conducted.

    Background: The US Air Strikes

    According to media reporting, the United States military carried out air strikes in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, targeting suspected camps linked to ISIS and other terrorist elements. While the Federal Government affirmed its support for the action, there were questions about the extent of legislative involvement and oversight.

    Some reports indicate that the strikes were conducted with intelligence shared by Nigerian authorities, but uncertainty over reporting and public communication spurred debate over sovereignty, constitutional process and foreign military involvement.

    Next Steps

    The Senate’s leadership has scheduled a closed-door session where security chiefs and relevant officials will provide detailed briefings to lawmakers. This briefing is intended to clarify:

    • The scope of the operation;

    • Nigeria’s role and level of involvement;

    • Any constitutional or legislative concerns arising from foreign military action on Nigerian territory.

    Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have stressed the need for constitutional compliance, protection of national sovereignty and clarity around military cooperation with foreign partners.

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