Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has assured Nigerians that their concerns regarding the proposed establishment of state police will be carefully considered as efforts to reform the country’s policing system continue.
Barau gave the assurance while hosting members of a Nigeria Police Force steering committee tasked with developing a framework for state policing. The meeting took place in his Abuja office during a courtesy visit.
The committee, inaugurated on March 4 by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is responsible for designing a practical structure for the creation of state police nationwide.
Speaking during the engagement, Barau—who also heads the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution—urged the panel to prioritise accountability and put safeguards in place to prevent misuse of the system.
He stressed the importance of creating a reliable public safety framework that would enhance national security while addressing the fears expressed by citizens during constitutional amendment hearings.
Barau also praised the Inspector-General for setting up the committee, noting that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader efforts to strengthen security across the country.
Earlier, the committee’s chairman, Olu Ogunsakin, outlined the group’s mandate and sought legislative input to improve its final recommendations.
The push for state police has intensified in recent years due to rising insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and communal violence. While supporters believe decentralised policing would improve response to local security challenges, critics warn of potential abuse by state authorities for political purposes.
As part of ongoing constitutional reforms, the Senate Committee recently held public hearings across the six geopolitical zones, allowing stakeholders to share their views on proposals such as the establishment of state and community policing systems.
