Senate Deputy President Engages with Police Committee on State Policing Framework
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has held a meeting with members of a steering committee established by the Nigeria Police Force to formulate a comprehensive framework for the introduction of state police in Nigeria. During the courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday, Jibrin assured the committee that the concerns of Nigerians regarding this initiative would be thoroughly addressed and integrated into the legislative process.
Committee Formation and Mandate
The steering committee was inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on March 4, 2026, as an eight-member panel tasked with developing modalities for state policing. Led by its Chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, the delegation briefed Jibrin on their mandate and sought guidance and contributions from the Senate to enrich their final report. This collaborative effort aims to align with broader national security objectives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Emphasis on Accountability and Public Safety
In his response, Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, commended the police leadership for their proactive approach. He urged the committee to prioritize accountability measures and safeguards against potential abuses of power, while also emphasizing the need for public enlightenment campaigns. "You must, most importantly, work on a structure to create a robust public safety mechanism and engender a secure nation," Jibrin stated. He highlighted that during Senate public hearings on constitutional amendments, Nigerians expressed significant concerns and fears about state police, underscoring the necessity to design a system that alleviates these apprehensions.
Constitutional Amendments and Inclusivity
One of the key bills under consideration by the Constitution Review Committee seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to permit the establishment of state and community police. This legislative move is intended to strengthen local law enforcement capabilities and deepen community engagement through a structured legal framework. To ensure inclusivity, the Senate committee, under Jibrin's leadership, has conducted zonal public hearings across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, providing stakeholders with opportunities to contribute to the amendment process and voice their perspectives on this critical issue.
Official Statement and Future Steps
The meeting was documented in a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, dated March 18, 2026. This engagement marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria's policing structure, with a focus on enhancing security and addressing public concerns through collaborative and transparent processes.
