The Nigeria Police Force, and CLEEN Foundation have charged Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to strengthen efforts at preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), improve victim protection mechanisms and adopt more professional, survivor-centred approaches in handling related cases.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Ishaku Mohammed; the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, and Oyo State Police Commissioner, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, made the call at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop on Gender-Based Violence Preventive Strategies organised by the CLEEN Foundation for DPOs in Oyo State, on Tuesday.
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.
The programme took place at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, the state capital.
Speaking on behalf of DIG Mohammed, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration), Ademola Adejokun, said GBV remains a major social and security concern with far-reaching consequences for victims, families and communities.
He lauded the CLEEN Foundation for its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of a shared commitment to strengthening community safety and access to justice.
According to him, DPOs occupy strategic positions as first responders and community leaders, making them critical actors in preventing and responding to cases of gender-based violence.
“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 the protection of human rights and the maintenance of law and order.
Earlier, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, stressed that prevention remains the most effective response to gender-based violence, noting that many incidents could be avoided through early intervention, community engagement and improved policing strategies.
Maduoma observed that 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.
He noted that DPOs serve as the primary interface between the police and local communities, making them central to efforts aimed at 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 normalise violence and to embrace trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches in handling complaints.
He added that every police division should become “a sanctuary of safety, justice and dignity” for victims and vulnerable persons.
Representing the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Abiodun Onuoha, said gender-based violence continues to threaten public safety and social stability.
The police chief 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.
Onuoha described the workshop as a valuable opportunity for officers to strengthen their operational response to GBV and improve public trust in the police.
Some participating DPOs also lauded the initiative.
The Divisional Police Officer, Apata Division, CSP Yemisi Opalola, described the training as timely in view of growing security concerns and the vulnerability of many communities.
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.
