Niger CP tasks Gender Desk Officers on professional handling of SGBV cases
Niger Police Urged to Uphold Professionalism in Handling SGBV Cases
MINNA, Niger State — Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, the Commissioner of Police in Niger State, emphasized the importance of professionalism, empathy, and diligence among Gender Desk Officers during a capacity-building program on Wednesday. The event was held at the Police Officers’ Mess and aimed to enhance the officers’ abilities to effectively manage Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
Elleman noted that police officers often serve as the first point of contact for victims and survivors of such incidents. He stated that it is crucial for officers to possess the necessary knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to complaints of SGBV.
“Participation in this training is vital,” he urged the officers, who were encouraged to apply what they learned, particularly in areas such as documentation, investigation, and overall response.
The Commissioner also reiterated the importance of treating survivors and victims with dignity and respect throughout the reporting, investigation, and response processes. He explained that the training was designed to address both the theoretical and practical challenges involved in dealing with SGBV cases.
Earlier in the session, Assistant Superintendent of Police Hadiza Adamu, Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Section, described the program as a follow-up to an SGBV course she had attended in Abuja. She stressed the significance of sharing the knowledge and practical skills gained from the course with other officers tasked with handling SGBV complaints.
Adamu emphasized the need for officers to effectively listen to survivors, demonstrate empathy, accurately document complaints, conduct investigations professionally, and take appropriate action while safeguarding the rights and dignity of the victims.
Various sessions were presented during the training, including one by Chief Superintendent of Police Jude Akaeze, who addressed the “Importance of Diligent Investigation of SGBV Towards Ensuring Successful Prosecution.” The Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Section also discussed “The Concept of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.”
Other speakers included ACP Tapshak Bitrus Sekat, who spoke on the “Impact of Psychological Trauma on Survivors/Victims of SGBV,” and Bolanle O. Jibogun, Esq., Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), who covered the legal framework related to SGBV. Activist Aisha Yusuf discussed strengthening inter-agency collaboration, while Inspector Solomon Washima presented the Nigeria Police approved procedures for action-based responses to SGBV cases.
The training session aimed to enhance the capabilities of officers in identifying, documenting, investigating, and managing SGBV cases, while also fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Distinguished attendees included the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Haj. Hadiza Idris Kuta; the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Murtala Adamu Badaru; Hon. Abdulazeez Gado-Nasko, representing Magama Constituency; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hon. Hadiza Shiru; and Hon. Dada Suleiman, among others.