Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has assured Nigerians that concerns surrounding the proposed creation of state police will be carefully addressed as efforts to reform the country’s policing system continue.
He gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving members of the Nigeria Police Force steering committee tasked with developing a framework for the establishment of state police, during a visit to his office in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Barau emphasised the need for a well-structured system that guarantees accountability and prevents abuse.
He urged the committee to design a framework that would strengthen public safety while also building trust among citizens.
Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, noted that many Nigerians had expressed reservations about state policing during recent public hearings on constitutional amendments.
He stressed the importance of creating a model that addresses those fears and ensures fairness and transparency.
The committee, inaugurated by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on March 4, is expected to come up with a practical structure for the possible implementation of state police nationwide.
Earlier, the committee chairman, Olu Ogunsakin, briefed the Deputy Senate President on its mandate and sought the Senate’s input to strengthen its recommendations.
Barau commended the Inspector-General for setting up the committee, describing it as a step in line with efforts by President Bola Tinubu to improve security across the country.
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The push for state police has gained traction in recent years due to rising insecurity, including cases of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes.
While supporters believe decentralising policing will improve response time and enhance local security, critics remain concerned about the risk of misuse by state authorities.
To ensure inclusiveness, the Senate Committee on constitutional review recently held public hearings across the six geopolitical zones, allowing Nigerians to share their views on key proposals, including the creation of state and community policing systems.
