Senate assures Nigerians’ concerns on State Police will be addressed

2026-03-18 - 16:13

By Henry Umoru, Abuja The Senate has assured Nigerians that their concerns regarding the creation of State Police will be addressed as part of ongoing constitutional reforms. Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), made the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving members of the steering committee of the Nigeria Police Force tasked with developing a framework for State Police. The committee is chaired by Professor Olu Ogunsakin. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Jibrin commended Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen national security. Disu had inaugurated the eight-member committee on March 4, 2026, to craft the framework for State Police. Senator Jibrin emphasized that the committee must focus on accountability, safeguards against abuse, and public enlightenment. “You must, most importantly, work on a structure to create a robust public safety mechanism and engender a secure nation. During public hearings on the Constitution, Nigerians raised their concerns and fears about the establishment of State Police. We should create a system that allays their fears,” he said. One of the bills before the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution seeks to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State and Community Police, aimed at enhancing local law enforcement and fostering community engagement within a legal framework. To ensure inclusivity, the committee has conducted zonal public hearings across the six geopolitical zones, giving stakeholders an opportunity to contribute to the amendment process. Professor Ogunsakin briefed Senator Jibrin on the committee’s mandate and requested the Senate’s advice and input to enrich its report. The initiative reflects the Senate’s commitment to balancing national security with public confidence in any proposed State Police system.