Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has stated that the proposed state police framework includes constitutional safeguards empowering the president to intervene if governors misuse the outfit. Speaking on Radio Nigeria Kaduna's Hausa programme Hannu Da Yawa, Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, described President Bola Tinubu's push for state police as a "masterstroke" to tackle Nigeria's long-standing security challenges.
Extensive Consultations and Safeguards
Barau explained that the executive bill followed extensive consultations involving the presidency, the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police, retired police officers, security experts, governors, civil society organisations, and members of the public. The proposal also underwent public hearings across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory. Barau said the framework was designed to address concerns that state police could be abused for political or ethnic purposes. "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.
President's Authority to Intervene
Barau added that the proposal contains legal protections and institutional checks to prevent abuse. "If state police is 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," Barau said. According to him, state police would complement, rather than replace, the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that officers recruited from local communities would have better knowledge of the terrain and local criminal networks, improving responses to banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats.
Local Recruitment and Focus
"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. The north stands to benefit significantly. This initiative is designed to bring lasting peace to the worst-hit areas," Barau said. He explained that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to handle national security issues such as terrorism and cybercrime, while state police would focus on internal security and public order. State police commandants would be appointed through a rigorous process and protected by law from undue political interference.
Funding and Next Steps
While acknowledging concerns over funding and operational capacity, Barau said appropriate financial and operational frameworks would be developed as the constitutional amendment process progresses. He expressed confidence that state Houses of Assembly would support the initiative. "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," he added.
