Akwa Ibom Assembly backs plan for state police

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has backed its committee's recommendations for the creation of state police in Nigeria.

This decision came after all assembly members voted in favor during a meeting on Wednesday.

Emem Udom, the committee Chairman, shared the report. He explained that the committee looked at the National Policing Bill and suggested that it be approved without any changes.

The Speaker, Udeme Otong, stated that the bill aims to create a legal framework for state police services.

“It also aims to keep the federal police service and its duties for federal policing,” he added.

Mr Otong mentioned that this new framework would encourage cooperation between federal and state police. This includes sharing information and helping each other out.

He said that having state police would make policing closer to the people. It would also help in responding to security threats and preventing crime through local information and community involvement.

The Speaker added that setting up state police services would provide job opportunities for young people.