The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, says about 32 state Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed constitutional alteration to pave the way for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

Mr Akpabio disclosed this on Thursday at the APC presidential rally in Benin.

According to him, state policing will complement the federal police in addressing the country’s security challenges.

The Senate president expressed optimism that the proposed reform would strengthen security across the country.

“About 32 states have made their returns and approved already to alter the Constitution of Nigeria to bring in, for the first time in the history of this country, state policing as part and parcel to complement what the federal police is doing. So security is coming back to Nigeria in full force,” Mr Akpabio added.

The Senate president also highlighted security measures in Edo State  including the establishment of additional military formations and the recruitment of more than 500 forest guards.

He said the federal government had established a new mobile police base, the MOPOL 82 Squadron, and an army division to strengthen security in the state.

According to him, the recruitment of more than 500 forest guards from among Edo youths will further support efforts to tackle insecurity.

Mr Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his administration’s commitment to improving security and infrastructure in the South-South.

He also cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, saying an additional 100 kilometres had been provided to cover more areas in Edo.

He expressed confidence that the APC would secure massive support for Mr Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

The Senate president described Edo State as a stronghold of the APC in the South-South, urging party supporters to sustain their support for the President.

Mr Akpabio said the state had witnessed increased infrastructure development, including the construction of flyovers, which he attributed to improved revenue distribution to state governments under the Tinubu administration.

He also praised the Edo government for its commitment to development, saying several parts of the state had become construction sites.

The rally was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governor Monday Okpebholo, APC leaders and supporters.

(NAN)