Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, said concerns raised by Nigerians over the proposed establishment of state police would be addressed as efforts continue to reform the country’s policing structure.
He made this known while receiving members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) steering committee set up to develop a framework for state police during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.
The committee, inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on March 4, is mandated to design a workable structure for the creation of state police across the country.
Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, urged the panel to prioritise accountability and prevent abuse.
He said: “You must, most importantly, work on a structure to create a robust public safety mechanism and engender a secure nation.”
He added: “During public hearings of the Senate on the amendments of the 1999 Constitution, Nigerians raised their concerns and fears about the establishment of state police. We should create a system that allays their fears.”
Barau commended the Inspector-General of Police for setting up the committee, noting that the move aligns with efforts to strengthen national security.
Earlier, the committee chairman, Olu Ogunsakin, briefed the Deputy Senate President on its mandate and sought the Senate’s input to enrich its report.
The push for state police has gained traction amid rising insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal clashes.
Advocates say decentralised policing could improve response time and local security management, while critics warn of potential misuse by state authorities.
To widen participation, the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has conducted zonal public hearings across the six geopolitical zones, gathering stakeholder input on proposals including state and community policing.
