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ABUJA: The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for the establishment of State Police as a strategic and far-reaching solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Speaking during Hannu Da Yawa, a live Hausa programme on Radio Nigeria Kaduna on Saturday, Senator Barau said the proposed State Police system would strengthen security operations across the country and bring policing closer to local communities.
The Deputy Senate President noted that the proposal had undergone extensive consultations and legislative scrutiny, including public hearings conducted across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, the State Police Bill recently passed by the Senate was the product of collaboration among the Presidency, the National Assembly, security experts, the Inspector-General of Police, retired police officers, governors, civil society organisations and members of the public.
Barau said President Tinubu took into consideration public concerns about possible abuse of State Police powers and ensured that adequate safeguards were incorporated into the proposed framework.
He explained that while many Nigerians support the creation of State Police, concerns have been raised about the possibility of political or ethnic manipulation. To address these fears, he said constitutional and institutional mechanisms had been designed to prevent misuse.
The Deputy Senate President stressed that State Police would complement the Nigeria Police Force rather than replace it. He added that officers recruited from local communities would possess better knowledge of their environment, making them more effective in combating crimes such as banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery.
“State Police operatives will understand the terrain, the people and even criminal elements operating within their communities, thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and response to security threats,” he said.
Barau further stated that northern states, which have been heavily affected by insecurity, stand to benefit significantly from the initiative. He expressed optimism that the reform would contribute to lasting peace in communities plagued by banditry and other violent crimes.
Addressing concerns raised by callers during the programme, the lawmaker said the proposed legal framework contains provisions that would allow federal intervention if State Police authorities are misused.
He explained that the President would have constitutional powers to direct the Federal Police to take over security operations in any state where State Police personnel are used to intimidate citizens or engage in actions that threaten lives and property.
On the division of responsibilities between federal and state policing authorities, Barau said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to handle national security matters such as terrorism, cybercrime and other cross-border offences, while State Police would focus on local law enforcement, crime prevention and maintenance of public order.
The Deputy Senate President also disclosed that State Police Commandants would be appointed through a rigorous process and protected from undue political interference by legal provisions contained in the proposed framework.
He acknowledged concerns regarding funding and operational capacity but assured Nigerians that appropriate financial structures and operational standards would be developed as the constitutional amendment process progresses.
Barau expressed confidence that state Houses of Assembly would support the constitutional amendment and urged Nigerians to embrace the initiative as a necessary reform aimed at improving security nationwide.
“We must re-engineer our security architecture to better protect lives and property while guarding against abuse. This is a balanced and consultative initiative designed to bring policing closer to the people,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President also used the programme to respond to questions on insecurity and other national issues raised by listeners from across Northern Nigeria.
