For years, Nigeria’s government has faced accusations of harbouring sympathizers of terrorists and paying lip service to fighting banditry nationwide.

This claim stems from the near-daily kidnappings and killings of Christians and other innocent Nigerians, including Muslims, by terrorists who bypass, and sometimes overwhelm, military and police checkpoints to attack communities across the country.

But this week signals a turning point as both chambers of the National Assembly have passed bills paving the way for state police — a move many believe will halt the brazen deadly attacks by terrorists on communities nationwide.

For years, state governors have demanded full control of security in their states, since military and police officers stationed there only take orders from central command in Abuja. This arrangement has made response to security threats in states slow and ineffective.

However, a key provision of the State Police establishment bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, empowers state governors to appoint their own Commissioners of Police, based on recommendations from the National Police Council.

In his letter forwarding the bill to the National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu said the proposed amendment is vital to ongoing reforms of the nation’s policing system and security framework.

According to him, the goal is to ensure communities and local governments take greater responsibility in policing to discourage criminal activity.

The reform is expected to properly equip local actors in communities to defend lives and property against rampaging bandits, kidnappers and jihadists who exploit weak security structures in states to carry out deadly attacks.