Barau Advocates for State Police Amid Security Concerns

Jibrin Barau, the Deputy President of the Senate, is leading a constitutional push for the establishment of state police in Nigeria. This initiative arises from the urgent need to reform the current centralized police system, which is increasingly viewed as ineffective in addressing the diverse security threats across the country.

Barau recently engaged with a high-level police committee, underscoring the necessity for a framework that aligns with Nigeria's constitutional realities and local security needs. The committee, led by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, is tasked with developing a workable structure for decentralized policing.

The National Assembly is currently undergoing a constitutional review process to formalize the establishment of state community police within a clearly defined legal framework. Despite widespread support for state police among the 36 state houses of assembly, concerns remain regarding potential political misuse of state police by governors.

Barau acknowledges these fears and emphasizes the importance of public trust and oversight mechanisms in the proposed framework.