The CLEEN Foundation has conducted a three-day training programme in Lagos for 30 Divisional Police Officers ,DPOs drawn from six police commands across the country, with the aim of equiping them with the necessary knowledge and practical tools to tackle Gender-Based Violence, GBVmore effectively in their areas of operation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony yesterday, the Programme Manager of CLEEN Foundation, Ms. Blessing Abiri,
told journalists that the initiative was designed to shift policing from a reactive approach to a more preventive and community-driven response to GBV.
She added that apart from reshaping police response to gender-based violence , it was also aimed at highlighting the importance of prevention, survivor support, and strategic community partnerships in reducing incidents across Nigeria.
“For too long, the police have focused on reacting to GBV cases only after harm has been done. This training aims to change that by offering practical strategies that DPOs can use to prevent such incidents before they occur,” she said.
Abiri noted that the Lagos session built upon the success of a similar programme held in northern Nigeria.
She observed a notable mindset shift among participants, many of whom she said were initially skeptical about the feasibility of prevention-focused policing.
She said “Over the past three days, we have shown that it is possible. The testimonies from senior officers, including CP Monday Agnonika’s experience, boosted participants’ confidence. Many are now inspired to integrate GBV prevention into their daily work,” she added.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Training, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Yahuza Shall, described GBV as a serious issue that could destabilize communities, lead to loss of property, and cause long-term trauma, saying, “It must be tackled with the seriousness it deserves,” adding that the police had developed an action plan focused on prevention and community collaboration.
Continuing DCP Shall said “We know we cannot do this alone. We must involve communities and stakeholders. The knowledge gained here will be shared with relevant units such as gender and investigative teams. Monitoring and compliance will also be key to success.”
Participants from Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Ogun, and Lagos State Police Commands were taken through intensive modules that included practical demonstrations and testimonies from experienced officers who had successfully implemented GBV prevention strategies in their jurisdictions.
These real-life accounts helped bridge the gap between theory and fieldwork, offering participants a clearer picture of proactive policing, during the sessions.
However, Saturday Vanguard observed that during the group work session on action plan rape emerged as one of the most prevalent GBV cases discussed, with insights shared by officers such as CSP Johnbull Obioguru (Delta State Command), CSP Oluku Othueke (Edo), CSP Bernard Azuka-Mama (Enugu), CSP Oloko Wale (Ijora Badia, Lagos), SP Olabisi Kamirudeen (Ifo, Ogun), and CSP Obidinma Omoladun (Imo).
One of the participants, CSP Agbede Omosetemi, recounted a harrowing case in which a 10-year-old boy apprenticed at a barbing salon was sexually abused by his master and contracted HIV in the process. She said the case was diligently followed to ensure the suspect was charged and convicted.
“Before this training, I could not clearly differentiate between gender-based violence and other forms of abuse. I have learned how any vulnerable person, including boys, can be victims. I also now understand how to create safe spaces for victims and work more closely with the community,” she said, praising CLEEN Foundation for the impactful programme.
She said “We promise to retrain our officers and take these lessons back to our divisions. With the right laws and community engagement, I believe we can build a safer society.”
Another participant, CSP Atta Ignatius, DPO Udelu Division in Enugu State, expressed gratitude to police authorities for nominating him. “This has been my first focused training on GBV and it has been truly enlightening. I now know the importance of early identification and proper case classification, which helps avoid confusion in court. I have gained clarity on how to handle these cases with fairness and professionalism, without external interference,” he stated.