The president of Brazil's Senate said on Friday the federal government would intervene to beef up security in Rio de Janeiro state.

The move appears to dim prospects for a much-delayed pension reform bill, which would require a change to the constitution. Constitutional amendments are banned during federal interventions.

Eunício de Oliveira said the government would appoint an army general to oversee security forces in the violence-plagued state, including the police, and the fire and intelligence departments.