The Nigeria Police Force and CLEEN Foundation have urged Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to intensify efforts in preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and improving victim protection mechanisms. They also called for more professional, survivor-centred approaches in handling related cases.
Call for Action at Ibadan Workshop
Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, Ishaku Mohammed; Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma; and Oyo State Police Commissioner, Abimbola Olugbenga, made this call during a two-day capacity-building workshop on GBV preventive strategies in Ibadan. The event was organized by CLEEN Foundation for DPOs in Oyo State.
The workshop, themed “Towards Strengthening Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence,” brought together DPOs from across Oyo State to develop practical strategies for preventing abuse, protecting victims, and strengthening community-based responses to gender-related violence.
GBV as a Major Social and Security Concern
Speaking on behalf of DIG Mohammed, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration) Ademola Adejokun stated that GBV remains a significant social and security concern with far-reaching consequences for victims, families, and communities. He praised CLEEN Foundation for partnering with the Nigeria Police Force, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of shared commitment to strengthening community safety and access to justice.
Adejokun explained that DPOs occupy strategic positions as first responders and community leaders, making them critical actors in preventing and responding to GBV cases. He said, “This training is timely and strategic as it provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of GBV prevention frameworks, enhance investigative and response capabilities, and strengthen partnerships for the protection of vulnerable persons.”
He urged participants to actively engage in the training sessions and apply the knowledge gained to improving professionalism, service delivery, and public confidence in the police. He added that the Inspector-General of Police remains committed to capacity building and partnerships that enhance the protection of human rights and the maintenance of law and order.
Prevention as the Most Effective Response
Earlier, CLEEN Foundation Executive Director Peter Maduoma emphasized that prevention remains the most effective response to gender-based violence. He noted that many incidents could be avoided through early intervention, community engagement, and improved policing strategies.
According to him, gender-based violence remains one of Nigeria’s most prevalent but underreported human rights violations, with available data showing that one in three women has experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Describing DPOs as the primary interface between the police and local communities, he urged officers to challenge harmful social norms that normalize violence and to embrace trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches in handling complaints.
GBV Threatens Public Safety and Social Stability
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Abiodun Onuoha, who represented the Commissioner of Police, said gender-based violence threatens public safety and social stability. He noted that law enforcement officers have a responsibility to ensure that victims receive protection, support, and access to justice, while perpetrators are held accountable.
“The knowledge and skills that will be shared during this programme are expected to enhance our capacity to prevent, investigate, and respond effectively to gender-related offences across the command,” he said.
