By Ahmed Ilallah
The long-standing debate over the creation of state police in Nigeria appears to be reaching a historic turning point, and at the center of this legislative milestone is Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam-Madori, the distinguished Senator representing Jigawa Northeast and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.
For more than two decades, successive administrations, security experts, and stakeholders have advocated for the establishment of state police as a means of addressing Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges. However, political disagreements, regional suspicions, and concerns over potential abuse of power have repeatedly stalled progress toward achieving this critical reform.
Today, the narrative is changing.
Under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Malam-Madori as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, the proposal for state police has gained unprecedented momentum. The recent approval of the bill by the Senate marks a significant step toward restructuring Nigeria’s policing architecture and strengthening security at the grassroots level.
While the initiative was championed and transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the role played by Senator Malam-Madori in guiding discussions, building consensus, and advancing the legislative process cannot be overlooked. Through his leadership, the committee has helped enlighten Nigerians on the urgent need for a more decentralized policing system capable of responding effectively to local security concerns.
The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to establish a dual policing structure, allowing both federal and state police formations to operate within clearly defined constitutional frameworks. Supporters argue that such a system would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing, and enable faster responses to security threats across the country.
Should this reform eventually become law, Senator Ahmed Malam-Madori will undoubtedly earn a place in Nigeria’s legislative history. He would be remembered as the chairman of the Senate committee that oversaw one of the most significant security reforms since the establishment of the country’s centralized police structure.
For the people of Jigawa Northeast, this achievement would serve as yet another source of pride. Their representative would have played a leading role in shaping a policy capable of transforming Nigeria’s security landscape for generations to come.
History often remembers those who stand at the forefront of meaningful change. As the journey toward state police continues, Senator Ahmed Malam-Madori appears well positioned to leave a lasting mark on Nigeria’s democratic and security evolution.
