State police will improve Nigeria’s security – Barau

Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin has said that creating state police is an important step towards improving security across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview with Radio Nigeria Kaduna, Barau said the proposed system would strengthen the country’s security by supporting the Nigeria Police Force with officers recruited from local communities who understand the security challenges in their areas.

He said: “The State Police Bill recently passed by the Senate followed wide consultations involving the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police, retired police officers, security experts, governors, civil society groups and members of the public.”

Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said public hearings on the constitutional amendment were held in all six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory to gather citizens’ views before the bill was considered.

He explained that the proposal includes measures to prevent the misuse of state police. According to him, the President would still have the constitutional power to direct the Federal Police to step in if a state police service is used to harass citizens or threaten lives and property.

The Deputy Senate President said the Federal Police would continue to handle national security issues such as terrorism, cybercrime and other federal offences, while state police would focus on maintaining law and order within their states.

Barau also said commandants of the proposed state police would be appointed through a transparent legal process to protect them from political interference.

He expressed confidence that proper funding and institutional support would be provided as the constitutional amendment process continues.

Barau called on Nigerians to support the proposal, describing it as “a well-considered and consultative reform.”

He said it would bring policing closer to the people and improve the protection of lives and property.