The Nigeria Police Force and CLEEN Foundation have urged Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to intensify efforts in preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), improving victim protection mechanisms, and adopting more professional, survivor-centred approaches when handling related cases.
This call was made by Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Ishaku Mohammed; Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma; and Oyo State Police Commissioner, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, during the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop on Gender-Based Violence Preventive Strategies. The workshop, organized by CLEEN Foundation for DPOs in Oyo State, took place on Tuesday at Kakanfo Inn in Ibadan.
Themed “Towards Strengthening Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence,” the event 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.
Strategic Role of DPOs
Speaking on behalf of DIG Mohammed, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration) Ademola Adejokun stated that GBV remains a major social and security concern with far-reaching consequences for victims, families, and communities. He commended 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.
According to Adejokun, DPOs occupy strategic positions as first responders and community leaders, making them critical actors in preventing and responding to GBV cases. “Gender-Based Violence remains a significant social and security concern. 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 said.
Adejokun urged participants to actively engage in the training sessions and apply the knowledge gained to improve 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 human rights protection and law enforcement.
Prevention as the Highest Form of Policing
Earlier, Mr. Peter Maduoma, Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, stressed 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. Maduoma observed that GBV is one of Nigeria’s most prevalent but underreported human rights violations, with data showing that one in three women has experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
He emphasized that DPOs serve as the primary interface between the police and local communities, making them central to ensuring justice for survivors. “Prevention is the highest form of policing. We are not gathered here merely to discuss how to manage GBV after the damage has been done. We are here to build the capacity of officers to prevent it from happening in the first place,” he said.
The CLEEN Foundation boss urged officers to challenge harmful social norms that normalize violence and to embrace trauma-informed, survivor-centred approaches when handling complaints. He added that every police division should become “a sanctuary of safety, justice and dignity” for victims and vulnerable persons.
Commitment to Public Safety
Representing the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Abiodun Onuoha, said gender-based violence continues to threaten public safety and social stability. He noted that law enforcement officers have a responsibility to ensure 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,” Onuoha said. He described the workshop as a valuable opportunity for officers to strengthen their operational response to GBV and improve public trust in the police.
Positive Feedback from DPOs
Some participating DPOs also lauded the initiative. The Divisional Police Officer of Apata Division, CSP Yemisi Opalola, described the training as timely in view of growing security concerns and community vulnerability. Similarly, CSP Rasaq Owolabi Ibrahim of Alakia/Adelubi Division said the workshop would equip DPOs with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to prevent GBV, respond to survivors with empathy, and promote gender equality within their areas of responsibility.
