Barau Defends State Police Proposal to Enhance Security

Jibrin Barau, the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, defended President Bola Tinubu's proposal to establish state police in Nigeria. During a live program on Radio Nigeria in Kaduna, Barau stated that the state police system would complement the Nigerian Police Force and improve responses to banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime.

He explained that the proposal underwent extensive consultations, including public hearings across six geopolitical zones. Barau emphasized the importance of incorporating constitutional safeguards to prevent misuse of state police by political office holders, addressing public concerns about potential abuse for political or ethnic purposes.

He noted that the proposed state police would recruit from local communities to enhance understanding of local security challenges. Barau assured that the structure of the state police would include checks against abuse of power, with the Nigerian Police Force retaining jurisdiction over national security matters.

He expressed confidence in legislative support for the proposal, which aims to bring policing closer to the people and improve nationwide security.