Barau Defends Tinubu’s State Police Plan, Says Reform Will Boost Security and Protect Citizens

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has described President Bola Tinubu’s push to establish State Police as a strategic constitutional reform aimed at addressing insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s overall security architecture.

Barau, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, made the remarks during Hannu Da Yawa, a live Hausa programme on Radio Nigeria Kaduna on Saturday.

He said the proposed State Police system is designed to complement the Nigeria Police Force by improving grassroots policing through officers recruited from their local communities.

According to the Deputy Senate President, the State Police Bill recently passed by the Senate was the product of extensive consultations involving the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police, retired police officers, security experts, state governors, civil society organisations and members of the public.

He disclosed that public hearings on the proposed legislation were held across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure broad stakeholder participation before the bill’s passage.

Barau explained that the proposed constitutional amendment contains safeguards to prevent the misuse of State Police by state governments. He noted that the President would retain constitutional powers to direct the Federal Police to intervene whenever a state police service is used to intimidate citizens or threaten lives and property.

He further clarified that while the Federal Police would continue to handle national security matters such as terrorism, cybercrime and other federal offences, State Police would be responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective states.

The lawmaker added that commandants of the proposed State Police would be appointed through a transparent legal process designed to shield them from undue political influence.

Addressing concerns over funding and operational capacity, Barau expressed confidence that the constitutional amendment process would provide the necessary financial and institutional frameworks to ensure the effective operation of State Police.

He called on Nigerians to support the initiative, describing it as a balanced and widely consulted reform that would bring policing closer to the people and improve the protection of lives and property.

During the live programme, Barau also responded to questions from listeners across Northern Nigeria on insecurity and other pressing national issues.