‎By Ahmed Akanbi
‎Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has said that the North stands to benefit most from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed State Police, describing it as a “masterstroke” to end banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
‎Speaking on Radio Nigeria Kaduna’s “Hannu Da Yawa” programme on Saturday, Barau, who 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 explained that the State Police Bill recently passed by the Senate followed extensive consultations, including public hearings in the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
‎He said the executive bill was developed in collaboration with the Presidency, National Assembly, Inspector-General of Police, retired officers, security experts, governors, civil society and the public in response to long-standing demands for constitutional amendment.
‎”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 from local communities and would understand the terrain, the people and the criminals.
‎”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 political misuse, Barau said the framework provides clear 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 roles: “The Federal Police will handle terrorism, cybercrime and other national security threats, while State Police will focus on internal law enforcement and public order. Commandants will be appointed through a rigorous process and protected by law from undue political interference,” he told Nazifi Ibrahim of Zaria.
‎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.
‎”We must re-engineer our security architecture to better protect lives and property while guarding against abuse. This is a balanced, consultative initiative built on safeguards and aimed at bringing policing closer to the people,” he concluded.