Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate in Nigeria, has acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens over the proposed establishment of state police. He made this statement during a visit from the Nigeria Police Force steering committee, which was set up to develop a framework for the creation of state police throughout the country. Barau reassured that these worries would be taken into consideration as part of the ongoing reforms in the country’s policing structure.

The steering committee was inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, with a focus on designing a comprehensive and effective structure for state police. Barau pointed out the necessity of fostering a system that ensures accountability within the state police framework, stating that a balance needed to be struck to prevent potential misuse of power. He further emphasized the significance of this initiative towards enhancing security at the state level as Nigeria grapples with increasing demands for better policing.

Barau's remarks reflect a broader recognition of the public’s fears surrounding the implications of state police, especially in terms of local governance and potential overreach. As the country moves forward with these discussions, the input from various stakeholders will be vital. The outcome of this effort could significantly alter the landscape of policing in Nigeria, potentially leading to increased responsiveness to local security needs, but it must also ensure protective measures to prevent abuse of authority by state police forces.