Nigeria: State Police Committee makes new move

The Vice President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Wednesday received, in a courtesy call, members of the Nigeria Police Force Steering Committee, established to develop a framework for the establishment of the state police.

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on March 4, 2026 inaugurated an eight-member committee to develop a framework for the state police.

Senator Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, has received the Committee led by its Chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, for the necessary Senate inputs on the very important national task.

Professor Ogunsakin, during the courtesy visit, briefed Senator Barau on the mandate of the commission and sought advice and input from the Senate to enrich its report.

In response, Senator Barau commended the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for working in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to ensure the country is fully safe.

He tasked committee members to work on measures to promote accountability, safeguard against abuse and undertake awareness-raising.

“Above all, we need to work on a framework to create a robust public safety mechanism and generate a safe nation.

“During the Senate public hearings on the 1999 Constitution amendments, Nigerians expressed their concerns and fears regarding the establishment of the state police. We should create a system that allays their fears,” he said.

One of the bills under consideration by the 1999 Constitution Review Commission is one that seeks to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State and Community Police to improve local law enforcement capabilities and community engagement through a structured legal framework.

To promote broad participation and inclusiveness, the Constitution Review Committee under the chairmanship of Senator Barau conducted zonal public hearings at six locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country, giving all stakeholders an opportunity to contribute their quota to the amendment process.