The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for the establishment of state police as a “masterstroke” aimed at tackling insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, stated this during an interview on Radio Nigeria Kaduna’s Hannu Da Yawa, a live Hausa programme.
He said the proposed state police system was the product of extensive consultations and legislative scrutiny, stressing that safeguards had been incorporated to prevent political or ethnic abuse.
According to him, the proposal recently passed by the Senate originated from an executive bill initiated by President Tinubu following consultations involving the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police, retired police officers, policing experts, governors, civil society organisations and members of the public.
Barau said the initiative responds to long-standing calls by Nigerians for constitutional amendments that would allow states to establish their own police services.
“President Tinubu carefully studied the situation and discovered that while many Nigerians support State Police, there are fears that it could be abused or misused for political or ethnic purposes. That is why safeguards have been built into the system,” he said.
He explained that state police would complement the Nigeria Police Force rather than replace it by strengthening community-based policing through locally recruited officers familiar with their environments.
“State Police operatives, who will be recruited from local communities, know the people, the terrain and even the criminals. This will significantly improve our response to banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.”
Responding to a question from a caller during the programme, Barau said northern Nigeria stood to benefit significantly from the initiative.
“The North stands to benefit significantly. This initiative is designed to bring lasting peace to the worst-hit areas,” he said.
Addressing concerns over possible abuse of state police by governors, the Deputy Senate President said the proposed constitutional framework contains legal safeguards to check excesses.
“If State Police are used for intimidation or actions that threaten lives and property, the President has the constitutional authority to intervene and direct the Federal Police to take over,” he said.
Barau also clarified that responsibilities between the federal and state police would be clearly defined, with the Nigeria Police Force handling national security matters such as terrorism and cybercrime, while state police would focus on internal security and public order.
He further disclosed that state police commandants would be appointed through a rigorous process and protected by law from undue political interference.
The Deputy Senate President acknowledged concerns over funding and operational capacity, saying financial frameworks and operational standards would be developed as the constitutional amendment process and enabling legislation progress.
He expressed optimism that state Houses of Assembly would support the reform and urged Nigerians to embrace it as a necessary step towards improving security across the country.
“We must re-engineer our security architecture to better protect lives and property while guarding against abuse. This is a balanced, consultative initiative built on safeguards and aimed at bringing policing closer to the people,” Barau said.
