The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has received members of a steering committee set up by the Nigeria Police Force to develop a framework for the establishment of state police, assuring that Nigerians’ concerns will be addressed.
The committee was constituted by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, who on 4 March 2026 inaugurated an eight-member panel to work on modalities for state policing.
Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, received the delegation led by its Chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ismail Mudashir, Ogunsakin briefed the Deputy Senate President on the committee’s mandate and sought the Senate’s guidance and contributions to enrich its report.
Responding, Jibrin commended the Inspector-General of Police for aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in efforts to enhance national security.
He urged the committee to prioritise accountability and safeguards against abuse, while also embarking on 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 of the Senate on the amendments of the 1999 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 Constitution Review Committee seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for the establishment of state and community police, aimed at strengthening local law enforcement and deepening community engagement through a structured legal framework.
To ensure inclusivity, the Senate committee, under Jibrin’s leadership, had earlier conducted zonal public hearings across the six geopolitical zones of the country, providing stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the amendment process.
The statement was signed by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, and dated 18 March 2026.
