Barau Hails Tinubu’s State Police Initiative, Says Reform Will Strengthen Nigeria’s Security

Barau Hails Tinubu’s State Police Initiative, Says Reform Will Strengthen Nigeria’s Security

Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposal to establish State Police as a bold and strategic reform that will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and tackle the country’s persistent security challenges.

Speaking during Radio Nigeria Kaduna’s Hausa programme, Hannu Da Yawa, Senator Barau said the initiative is a carefully designed constitutional reform aimed at improving grassroots policing while addressing concerns about possible abuse of the proposed system.

The Deputy Senate President explained that the State Police proposal has undergone extensive legislative scrutiny, including public hearings held across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with inputs from a wide range of stakeholders.

According to him, the executive bill, initiated by President Tinubu, was developed through consultations involving the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police, retired police officers, security experts, state governors, civil society organisations and members of the public.

He noted that the proposal responds to longstanding calls by Nigerians for constitutional amendments to allow states to establish their own police services.

“President Tinubu carefully studied the situation and recognised that while many Nigerians support the creation of State Police, there are legitimate concerns about possible political or ethnic misuse. That is why adequate constitutional safeguards have been incorporated into the proposal,” Senator Barau said.

He stressed that State Police would complement, rather than replace, the Nigeria Police Force by enhancing security at the grassroots through officers recruited from local communities.

According to him, locally recruited personnel possess better knowledge of their communities, terrain and criminal elements, making them more effective in responding to banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

“The North stands to benefit greatly from this initiative because it is designed to improve security in communities most affected by criminal activities,” he added.

Addressing concerns raised by callers during the live programme, Senator Barau assured Nigerians that the proposed legal framework contains adequate checks and balances to prevent abuse of State Police powers.

He explained that where State Police are used unlawfully to intimidate citizens or threaten lives and property, the President would retain constitutional authority to direct the Nigeria Police Force to intervene.

He further clarified that responsibilities between the Federal Police and State Police would be clearly defined, with the Federal Police focusing on national security matters such as terrorism, cybercrime and other federal offences, while State Police would handle internal security and public order within their respective states.

Senator Barau also disclosed that State Police Commandants would be appointed through a transparent process and protected by law against undue political interference.

On concerns regarding funding and operational capacity, he said appropriate financial mechanisms and operational guidelines would be developed as the constitutional amendment process progresses.

He expressed optimism that state Houses of Assembly would support the reform and called on Nigerians to embrace the initiative as a critical step toward improving security nationwide.

“We must re-engineer our security architecture to better protect lives and property while ensuring adequate safeguards against abuse. This is a balanced and inclusive reform aimed at bringing policing closer to the people and strengthening national security,” he said.

The Deputy Senate President also responded to questions from listeners on insecurity and other national issues during the two-hour interactive programme.

Barau Hails Tinubu’s State Police Initiative, Says Reform Will Strengthen Nigeria’s Security