France, Nov. 7 -- Nigerian police and military forces have long been overwhelmed - battling a protracted jihadist insurgency, as well as kidnappings, banditry and attacks by armed groups, which have been increasing for several years.

In June, the Nigerian Senate adopted a proposed reform of the police system, paving the way for each of the 36 states to have its own force in addition to the federal police.

Until now, the country had only one national police force, based in Abuja.

On Tuesday, 28 state legislatures approved the reform, meaning it can now be put forward for presidential approval.

The goal is to improve security by putting officers on the ground who know local communities and speak their languages.

The federal police will...