By Olugbenga Salami
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has described President Bola Tinubu’s push for State Police as a “masterstroke” designed to decisively tackle insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking on Radio Nigeria Kaduna’s “Hannu Da Yawa” programme on Saturday, Senator Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said the initiative is a bold reform to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The two-hour live Hausa programme drew callers from across Northern Nigeria during which Barau said the proposal had undergone extensive legislative scrutiny, including public hearings in the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
He explained that the State Police Bill recently passed by the Senate was an executive bill initiated by President Tinubu, but which emerged from collaboration among the Presidency, National Assembly, Inspector-General of Police, retired officers, policing experts, governors, civil society organizations, CSOs and the public.
“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 stressed that State Police would complement, not replace, the Nigeria Police Force, disclosing that operatives would be recruited locally and would know their communities, terrain and criminals, which would improve response to banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.
“State Police operatives, who will be recruited from local communities, know the people, the terrain and even the criminals. This will significantly improve our response to banditry, kidnapping and other crimes,” he said.
Responding to Zubairu Mohammed, a farmer from Kankia LGA, Katsina State, he added: “The North stands to benefit significantly. This initiative is designed to bring lasting peace to the worst-hit areas.”
On fears of misuse, Barau said the framework provides institutional checks. “If State Police are 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 told Abubakar Auwal of Sokoto State.
He clarified the division of responsibilities: the Federal Police will handle national issues like terrorism and cybercrime, while State Police will focus on internal law enforcement and public order.
Commandants, he said, would be appointed through a rigorous process and protected by law from political interference, in response to Nazifi Ibrahim of Zaria, Kaduna State.
Barau also addressed concerns about funding and capacity, saying financial frameworks and operational standards would be developed as the constitutional amendment and enabling laws progress. He expressed confidence that state Houses of Assembly would support the reform.
