The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has urged Gender Desk Officers to approach Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases with heightened professionalism and empathy. This call to action was made during a recent capacity-building program held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Minna, aimed at equipping officers with essential skills for effectively addressing SGBV complaints.

Elleman highlighted the critical role that police officers play as the initial point of contact for survivors of SGBV, underscoring the need for them to be adequately trained to respond appropriately. He emphasized that the knowledge gained from the training should be applied in their daily operations, particularly in documentation, investigation, and overall response to such sensitive cases.

During the program, which featured various sessions led by experts, the CP stressed the importance of treating survivors with dignity and respect from the moment they report an incident. He noted that the training was designed to address both the theoretical and practical challenges faced in handling SGBV cases, ensuring that officers are well-prepared to manage these situations.

ASP Hadiza Adamu, Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Section, explained that this training was a continuation of an SGBV course she attended in Abuja. She emphasized the necessity of sharing the knowledge and practical skills acquired from that course with officers tasked with handling SGBV complaints across the command.

The training included sessions on various topics, such as the significance of thorough investigations for successful prosecutions, delivered by CSP Jude Akaeze. Additionally, ACP Tapshak Bitrus Sekat discussed the psychological impact of trauma on survivors, while Mrs. Bolanle O. Jibogun, Chairperson of FIDA, outlined the legal framework surrounding SGBV.

Activist Aisha Yusuf also contributed to the discussions, focusing on the importance of strengthening inter-agency collaboration in addressing SGBV. Furthermore, Insp. Solomon Washima presented the Nigeria Police’s approved procedures for action-based responses to SGBV cases.

The training session saw attendance from notable figures, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Haj. Hadiza Idris Kuta, and the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Murtala Adamu Badaru, among others. The program aimed to enhance the officers' capacity to identify, document, investigate, and manage SGBV cases effectively while fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders.