By Olugbenga Salami
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has met with the members of the steering committee of the Nigeria Police Force, on the establishment of State Police with assurance to address the fears of the public on state policing.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had on March 4, 2026, inaugurated an eight-member committee to develop a framework for the State Police.
Senator Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, received the committee led by its Chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
A statement by the Deputy Senate President’s spokesperson, Ismail Mudashir, said he commended the Inspector General of Police, for working in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure the country is fully secured.
He tasked the committee’s members to work on measures to promote accountability, safeguard against abuse, and embark on an enlightenment drive.
“You must, most importantly, work on a structure to create a robust public safety mechanism and engender a secure nation.
“During public hearings of the Senate on the amendments of the 1999 Constitution, Nigerians raised their concerns and fears about the establishment of state police. We should create a system that allays their fears,” Senator Barau said.
Earlier, Professor Ogunsakin, had informed that members of his committee came to brief the Deputy Senate President on the mandate of the committee and sought the Senate’s advice and contributions to enrich its report.
One of the bills before the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is the one seeking to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State and Community Police to enhance local law enforcement capabilities and community engagement through a structured legal framework.
To promote broad participation and inclusivity, the committee on the review of the Constitution under the Chairmanship of Senator Barau conducted zonal public hearings in six locations across the country’s six geopolitical zones, giving all stakeholders the opportunity to contribute their quota to the amendment process.
