DEPUTY Senate President Barau Jibrin has said the proposed state police framework contains constitutional safeguards that would empower the president to intervene if governors abuse the outfit.
News Point Nigeria reports that Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, made the remarks on Saturday during Hannu Da Yawa, a live Hausa programme on Radio Nigeria Kaduna.
The deputy senate president’s comments come weeks after the Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police, with provisions specifically designed to prevent possible abuse by state governments.
Under the proposal, Nigeria would operate a dual policing system in which the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and state police services would function side by side. The bill also outlines the circumstances under which the federal government could intervene in the operations of state police formations.
Barau described President Bola Tinubu’s push for the establishment of state police as a “masterstroke” aimed at addressing the country’s long-standing security challenges.
According to him, the executive bill emerged after 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.
He added that the proposal was also subjected to public hearings across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“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,” Barau said.
The deputy senate president noted that the proposed framework contains clear legal protections and institutional checks aimed at preventing 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,” he said.
Barau explained that state police would complement, rather than replace, the Nigeria Police Force.
“State police operatives, who will be recruited from local communities, know the people, the terrain and even the criminals,” he said.
“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.”
He further explained that while the Nigeria Police Force would continue to handle national security issues such as terrorism and cybercrime, state police would focus primarily on internal security and the maintenance of public order.
Barau also disclosed that state police commandants would be appointed through a rigorous process and protected by law against undue political interference.
Addressing concerns over funding and operational capacity, the deputy senate president said appropriate financial and operational frameworks would be developed as the constitutional amendment process progresses.
He expressed confidence that state houses of assembly across the country would support the initiative.
“We must re-engineer our security architecture to better protect lives and property while guarding against abuse,” Barau added.
“This is a balanced, consultative initiative built on safeguards and aimed at bringing policing closer to the people.”