State Police: IG proposes mode of operation, safeguards, outlook 

The Nation gathered that the proposal contains the mode of operation of the state police, its relationship with the Federal Police, some safeguards to prevent abuse, and laws to guide it, among others.

Barau is the chair of the Senate constitution review committee.

Other key recommendations, The Nation further gathered, include operational structure, jurisdictional safeguards and accountability mechanisms.

The committee proposed moving policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List to make state police constitutionally feasible.

It also recommended clearly defined federal and state jurisdictions through enabling laws to prevent duplication of duties.

Election security and related matters, the report noted, should remain under federal police control as part of safeguards to address public concern.

It further proposed multi-layered accountability measures to prevent absolute control by governors.

A guaranteed job security for personnel, and seamless transfer of service either to the Federal or state government without loss of pension.

Read Also: Tinubu determined to reform power sector, says Shettima

Applicants to state police services, it added, should have lived in the state for at least 10 years.

The framework also recommended the establishment of state police councils, state police service commissions and ombudsman offices.

State assemblies are proposed to exercise oversight of policing structures, while commissioners of police should not be appointed solely by governors to ensure operational independence.

The report also suggested the removal of ‘force’ and replacement with ‘service’ in the name of a security outfit.

The committee proposed a Nigeria Police Service at the Federal level and a State Police Service for the sub-national level.

It also recommended legislation to criminalise compliance with unlawful orders issued by governors to police operatives.

Submitting the document titled: “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police,” the committee said it reflected extensive consultations and professional assessment of the legal, administrative and operational implications of state policing.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture,” Ogunsakin said.

Senator Barau described the report as proactive and aligned with President Tinubu’s security agenda.

He assured that the committee would consider the framework alongside other memoranda received in the ongoing constitution review.

The President and the governors had agreed on the need for state police as part of measures to get the country out of insecurity and to cover the large ungoverned space around the country.

To achieve the state police creation, there is a need to amend the aspects of the Constitution relating to the police.